Maple Ridge golf course to become park as aquatic centre advances

Maple Ridge Golf Course to Become New Public Park

A century-old golf course in Metro Vancouver will be transformed into a major public park. This park will include sports fields and recreational amenities. This change is part of a broader plan to build a new aquatic and community centre in Maple Ridge.

Last month, the Maple Ridge City Council approved preliminary concepts from Vancouver-based architectural firm HCMA and City of Maple Ridge staff. City staff will now advance these projects into detailed design and planning.

Current Features of Hammond Community Park

The existing 13-acre Hammond Community Park has two baseball fields, a small community centre, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a playground, informal open green spaces, and a small parking lot.

Planned Changes to Hammond Community Park

Under the new plan, Hammond Community Park will be completely reconfigured. The largest baseball field on the east side will be redeveloped into a new 122,000 sq. ft. community centre, which will include a 65,000 sq. ft. aquatic centre.

The aquatic centre will have a 37.5-metre, eight-lane lap swimming pool. This pool will be divided by a movable bulkhead to create both a 25-metre and a 12.5-metre section. The main tank will also include a climbing wall and diving platforms.

A secondary tank will feature a large leisure pool with two 15-metre swim lanes, an open water area, a lazy river, interactive play features, and a large waterslide.

Additional amenities will include two hot pools, a cold plunge pool, a steam room, and sauna facilities. The community centre will have a fitness gym, cardio and weight-training areas, fitness studios, multi-purpose rooms, a full-sized gymnasium, a children’s play area, and a cafe.

Other Developments in Hammond Community Park

The existing baseball field on the west side will be reconfigured. The current small community centre and outdoor pool at the south end will be demolished. Future uses for that site will be determined later.

To support transportation needs, approximately 270 vehicle parking stalls will be added through new surface parking lots in the middle of the park.

Maple Ridge Golf Course Closure and Redevelopment

Before construction starts at Hammond Community Park, the City will permanently close Maple Ridge Golf Course. The first phase will include two new large baseball fields, Hammond Stadium Diamond and Larry Walker Diamond. These will replace the large baseball fields at Hammond Community Park. Overall, this will result in a net gain of one baseball field.

The golf course is located along the northern shoreline of the Fraser River, about one city block southwest of Hammond Community Park.

Reasons for Site Selection

The City chose Hammond Community Park for the new aquatic and community centre due to its favourable geotechnical conditions, larger size, and better proximity to public transit. It is also located within the Lougheed Highway Transit corridor, an area targeted for densification ahead of new Bus Rapid Transit services.

In contrast, parts of the golf course fall within the Fraser River Escarpment area, which restricts land uses. While unsuitable for major buildings, it is good for public parkland and outdoor recreational facilities.

Future Plans for the Golf Course Redevelopment

Once the first phase of the golf course’s redevelopment is complete, remaining areas not used for baseball fields will be opened for interim recreational uses, such as walking trails and open green spaces.

In the long term, the City plans a second phase of park development. This phase will introduce amenities like basketball courts, pickleball courts, a playground, a splash pad, cricket and soccer fields, a skatepark, a pump track, a dirt jump park, a disc golf course, a toboggan hill, an off-leash dog area, a community garden, picnic areas, and enhanced walking trails.

Population Growth and Recreation Needs

The municipal government states that new aquatic, community, and recreational facilities are needed to meet the needs of Maple Ridge’s growing population. The city’s population of about 106,000 residents is projected to increase by 40 percent over the next 20 years.

As part of its broader recreation strategy, the City is also planning to add two NHL-sized ice rinks at the Albion Fairgrounds.

Mayor’s Statement

“This will be the City’s largest investment ever in recreation infrastructure — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build facilities with equity and inclusion in mind,” said Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy. He added that his community is “currently lagging behind regional averages for aquatics and arena facilities.”