Metro Vancouver Park Series: Holland Park

This past weekend was the re-opening of Holland Park in Surrey to celebrate its recent upgrades. Although it’s changed drastically over the years, its new features (and recent Fusion Festival) are still worth noting as a part of my Parks Series.

How to Get There: Holland Park is right along Old Yale Road off King George Highway between the Surrey Central and King George Skytrain Stations. Super easy to get to by car, and especially by transit with several options from Skytrain to bus. [Google Map]

Source: CivicSurrey

Features: Very large grassy area and several water features (including Roseholly Fountain) along with a few of the remaining evergreen trees towering overhead in the South corner. New washroom building and concession stand with community storage space. Additional water features, the Holland Park Spirit Square, the new “Holland Gate” entrance, new raised cement garden beds, public art features and mosaics, tree-lined promenades and a 1km walking loop. You can read Paul’s recent post about the upgrades. The park doesn’t have a fancy playground, a lake, or a vast network of trails however it’s perfect for a picnic, flying a kite, a game of badminton, or a leisurely stroll.

Photo credit: Paul Hillsdon on Flickr

Notes: Holland Park is an official Vancouver 2010 Olympics celebration site. For 17 days it will host live entertainment, performing arts and live broadcasts the Games outdoors on giant screens. “Major concerts are planned on all Friday and Saturday nights with a focus on family and cultural performances on Sunday. Also, an international food pavilion, much like the Fusion Festival, will be a key component of the site and event, according to an April 2009 report to Surrey city council.” [The Now]

Photo credit: Paul Hillsdon on Flickr

Coming up in just a few weeks, Holland Park will also host a series of free outdoor movie events including Annie (August 1), Mamma Mia (August 8), The Lion King (August 15), and Hannah Montana: The Movie (August 22).