Kids under four now get FREE admission to Vancouver park amenities

Park Board services are about to become a lot more accessible for families with young children.

The Vancouver Park Board has recently approved its $129 million operating budget, which includes a $63.7 million capital budget for new projects, as well as new fees and charges for 2019.

Effective immediately, children ages four and under will be classified as “preschoolers” and as such, will receive free access to pools, skating rinks, and fitness centres.

“For a long time, I’ve wanted to reduce financial barriers,” explains Vancouver Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon. “Families can access our programs and services for healthier and happier lives.”

The $63.7 million capital budget is the largest in the Vancouver Park Board’s history and a $24.5 million increase over last year’s budget.

Other notable capital projects include:

Park amenities such as playgrounds and washrooms ($18 million)
New park land ($10 million)
New and renewed turf and fields, as well as golf course improvements ($8 million)
Restoration work on the Stanley Park Seawall ($2.5 million)
An increase to urban canopy – with the goal of planting 150,000 trees by 2020 ($2 million)
A new Marpole Oakridge Community Centre and outdoor pool ($1 million)

An additional $610,000 has also been granted to increase horticulture and cleanliness in parks across Vancouver.

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