FAQs
If the Rec Facility Study determines that Hammond Community Park is a feasible location for a new recreation facility, how long will it be until the project is completed?
Introducing a new multi-use recreation facility with an indoor pool and ice arena is a corporate priority for the City of Maple Ridge. City Council will have the opportunity to make a decision on the project’s future in summer 2024 at which time we will better know the timelines to update the community. A project of this magnitude normally takes three to five years to complete in cases where there are minimal interruptions.
If Hammond Community Park is determined to be a feasible site for a new multi-use recreation facility - what will happen to the baseball fields currently located on this site?
Should the Rec Facility Study determine that Hammond Community Park is a feasible location for the new facility and the project progresses to the next step, the baseball fields will be relocated and improved upon based on community and user group engagement. The project team will continue to engage with the user group(s) who currently use the baseball fields to identify their current needs and ensure the plans for relocation and creating a new facility meets their needs and exceeds expectations where possible. The legacy of Larry Walker is integral to the future, reimagined baseball fields. The City will work to continue to honour the legacy of Larry Walker and his contributions to the grassroots growth of baseball in Maple Ridge.
Why was Hammond Community Park chosen as the preferred site?
Hammond Community Park met the preferred criteria: sufficient space, fully serviced site, in a developed area with a growing population, accessible by transit and near a major transportation route. It’s also owned by the City, eliminating the cost of buying land to deliver the project.
As part of our review, the City considered numerous sites which included existing vacant land parcels, under-utilized school sites, existing park sites, retail/commercial sites and Agricultural Reserve Lands. While some of these lands would be suitable for the development of new baseball diamonds, they were not suitable for use for a large structure like a recreation centre.
What will happen to the childcare services offered out of this location?
The project team has initiated conversations with the childcare providers whose operations are based in the building.
What is the City doing to meet the growing recreational needs of the residents living on the East side of Maple Ridge?
The City recognizes East Maple Ridge’s continued residential growth and has invested in neighbourhoods through the development of the Silver Valley Gathering Place, the new Albion Community Centre, the recent development of the Albion Sports Complex outdoor beach volleyball courts, and the fourth ice sheet project that is currently in progress.
How much will the new facility cost?
It is too early in the process to determine cost estimates. There are many variables to consider when determining the overall costs of a new recreation facility, all of which will be explored as part of the Rec Facility Study.
Why is the City not considering expanding the Albion Fairgrounds and Planet Ice site?
A 4th sheet of ice is currently planned for Planet Ice facility in the Albion Neighbourhood. The Albion Fairground site is not suitable for building an aquatics facility due to the geotechnical conditions, groundwater levels and other site difficulties.