Councillor Gordon Hepner Advances $45 Million Parkland and Community Sports Infrastructure Expansion

SURREY, BC — Surrey City Councillor Gordon Hepner (Surrey Connect), serving as Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Sport Tourism Committee, announced council approval for a $45 million sports park infrastructure development program.

Community Athletic Facilities and Neighborhood Parks

The capital package includes the construction of three new all-weather synthetic turf soccer and rugby pitches at Cloverdale Athletic Park, expanded lighting at Newton Athletic Park, and the acquisition of five acres of parkland in fast-growing Grandview Heights in South Surrey.

Councillor Hepner highlighted that with thousands of youth participating in organized sports leagues across Surrey, modernizing field capacity ensures equitable access for grassroots community athletics.

Funding Structure and Development Cost Allocations

The parkland acquisitions are financed through Developer Cost Charges (DCCs) levied on new residential developments, minimizing the direct burden on the general municipal operating tax base.

Local minor sports associations welcomed the expanded field hours and LED energy-efficient lighting upgrades.

Construction Timeline

Groundbreaking on the Cloverdale synthetic turf expansion is scheduled for September 2026, with completion expected by spring 2027.