Central Park, Burnaby
Central Park - Burnaby
Central Park, Burnaby is the oldest park in Burnaby City, created in 1891. The 213-acre urban lot lies on the border between Burnaby and Vancouver, directly towards Metropolis. It is one of Burnaby's finest parks, with lots of attractions for visitors.
Central Park was a naval reserve for masts and spurs for the Royal Navy Ship before it became a park. It was named to honour New York-born Mrs. Sarah Oppenheimer, wife of Vancouver's second mayor. Notable features include a beautiful landscape of wooded greenery, sports and entertainment facilities, and appealing outdoor views.
It is an ideal spot to retreat and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from busy cities. Experience quiet strolls in the garden and feed ducks at the ponds. Go hiking at the many trails or improve your body fitness at the outdoor fitness circuits. If you have kids, take them for picnics and fun time at the Variety Playground. Or go floating at the outdoor swimming pool.
Cheer a favorite team and enjoy concerts and festivals at the Swangard Stadium. These and more at Central Park, Burnaby.
Tourist Highlights
1. Swangard Stadium
The multipurpose arena is famous for sports, competitions, and other events. It has a 5,288 seating capacity, a parking lot, a beer garden, and washrooms. The Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team played home games in Swangard before moving to BC Place Stadium.
2. Korean War Memorial
In 2007, the Korean Veterans Association of Canada donated a bronze sculpture on a concrete podium to Burnaby in dedication to 36 British Columbia servicemembers for their sacrifices in the Korean War. Korean artist Cho Hyun Kuk designed it, and it lies toward the east of Central Park. Tour the area to see the names of the 36 men in plaques.
3. Sports Facilities
Keep your body fit with the numerous sports practices at Central Park. There is a mini golf course designed for everyone, regardless of their age or expertise. Outdoor exercise machines are in strategic places throughout the park.
Additional features include horseshoe fields, sports fields, bowling facilities, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and an exterior swimming pool. The pool is 50 metres with six lanes and 1-meter diving. It is only open during summer.
4. Trails
Central Park has many intersecting routes perfect for a stroll or a hike through the grove. Each trail has several picnic spots for rest and food. The trail maps and signposts will show you your location as you walk. A popular route is the 5-metres Terry Fox trail which loops the upper pond and ends at the lower pool. It is used for Burnaby City's annual Terry Fox Run.
The Perimeter Trail is a recently constructed trail with paved paths that fill with light at night. It loops the whole park, and biking is only permitted on this track.
5. Greenery and Wildlife
Central Park's forest is a remainder of Vancouver's original woodland ecosystem. The vegetation consists of coniferous and deciduous trees like red cedar, blackberry, maple, and birch. They provide a canopy that keeps the area cool and shields you from direct heat.
The park is home to squirrels, coyotes, woodpeckers, sparrows, and bullfrogs. It also has two artificial ponds and a stream. Crawfish and minnows live in the upper pond, while brown bullheads reside in the lower pond. The Canada geese and other waterfowls live in both ponds.
6. Earl and Jennie Lohn Perennial Garden
Stroll through this beautiful garden to bask in the scenery of flowers in bloom.
7. Variety Park Playground
Kids can have a great time at this upgraded playground and enjoy their treats at the picnic area next to it. The second playground is close to the outdoor pool.
8. Others include...
Amenities
Events
Central Park is a hub for events all through the year. The major annual events in the park include Colombian Picnic, Terry Fox Runs, and Canada Day.
Burnaby City celebrates Canada Day (July 1st) in two areas: the Burnaby Village Museum in Deer Lake Park (afternoon) and Swangard Stadium in Central Park (evening). It involves concerts and fireworks, and admission is totally free.
The Colombian Independence Picnic is a smaller annual event hosted in mid-July by the Colombian community in Vancouver. The venue is usually in the middle of the park near the Upper Pond. It is free and open to the public.
Terry Fox Runs' main event happens at Central Park. This mid-September experience is a fundraiser for cancer research.
Korean Cultural Heritage Festival in August also happens in the Swangard Stadium. It's a free event with Korean food and entertainment.
When To Visit Central Park
Central Park is open from morning to evening, all year round. There are lots of activities to engage in and places to explore whenever you visit. The park is flooded with people during the summer and Christmas seasons.
Check out -> Deer Lake
Homepage
Central Park was a naval reserve for masts and spurs for the Royal Navy Ship before it became a park. It was named to honour New York-born Mrs. Sarah Oppenheimer, wife of Vancouver's second mayor. Notable features include a beautiful landscape of wooded greenery, sports and entertainment facilities, and appealing outdoor views.
It is an ideal spot to retreat and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from busy cities. Experience quiet strolls in the garden and feed ducks at the ponds. Go hiking at the many trails or improve your body fitness at the outdoor fitness circuits. If you have kids, take them for picnics and fun time at the Variety Playground. Or go floating at the outdoor swimming pool.
Cheer a favorite team and enjoy concerts and festivals at the Swangard Stadium. These and more at Central Park, Burnaby.
Tourist Highlights
1. Swangard Stadium
The multipurpose arena is famous for sports, competitions, and other events. It has a 5,288 seating capacity, a parking lot, a beer garden, and washrooms. The Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team played home games in Swangard before moving to BC Place Stadium.
2. Korean War Memorial
In 2007, the Korean Veterans Association of Canada donated a bronze sculpture on a concrete podium to Burnaby in dedication to 36 British Columbia servicemembers for their sacrifices in the Korean War. Korean artist Cho Hyun Kuk designed it, and it lies toward the east of Central Park. Tour the area to see the names of the 36 men in plaques.
3. Sports Facilities
Keep your body fit with the numerous sports practices at Central Park. There is a mini golf course designed for everyone, regardless of their age or expertise. Outdoor exercise machines are in strategic places throughout the park.
Additional features include horseshoe fields, sports fields, bowling facilities, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and an exterior swimming pool. The pool is 50 metres with six lanes and 1-meter diving. It is only open during summer.
4. Trails
Central Park has many intersecting routes perfect for a stroll or a hike through the grove. Each trail has several picnic spots for rest and food. The trail maps and signposts will show you your location as you walk. A popular route is the 5-metres Terry Fox trail which loops the upper pond and ends at the lower pool. It is used for Burnaby City's annual Terry Fox Run.
The Perimeter Trail is a recently constructed trail with paved paths that fill with light at night. It loops the whole park, and biking is only permitted on this track.
5. Greenery and Wildlife
Central Park's forest is a remainder of Vancouver's original woodland ecosystem. The vegetation consists of coniferous and deciduous trees like red cedar, blackberry, maple, and birch. They provide a canopy that keeps the area cool and shields you from direct heat.
The park is home to squirrels, coyotes, woodpeckers, sparrows, and bullfrogs. It also has two artificial ponds and a stream. Crawfish and minnows live in the upper pond, while brown bullheads reside in the lower pond. The Canada geese and other waterfowls live in both ponds.
6. Earl and Jennie Lohn Perennial Garden
Stroll through this beautiful garden to bask in the scenery of flowers in bloom.
7. Variety Park Playground
Kids can have a great time at this upgraded playground and enjoy their treats at the picnic area next to it. The second playground is close to the outdoor pool.
8. Others include...
- Picnic Areas
- Spray park
Amenities
- Wheelchair access
- 25 accessible parking spaces
- Washrooms throughout the park (wheelchair accessible)
- Changing cabins
Events
Central Park is a hub for events all through the year. The major annual events in the park include Colombian Picnic, Terry Fox Runs, and Canada Day.
Burnaby City celebrates Canada Day (July 1st) in two areas: the Burnaby Village Museum in Deer Lake Park (afternoon) and Swangard Stadium in Central Park (evening). It involves concerts and fireworks, and admission is totally free.
The Colombian Independence Picnic is a smaller annual event hosted in mid-July by the Colombian community in Vancouver. The venue is usually in the middle of the park near the Upper Pond. It is free and open to the public.
Terry Fox Runs' main event happens at Central Park. This mid-September experience is a fundraiser for cancer research.
Korean Cultural Heritage Festival in August also happens in the Swangard Stadium. It's a free event with Korean food and entertainment.
When To Visit Central Park
Central Park is open from morning to evening, all year round. There are lots of activities to engage in and places to explore whenever you visit. The park is flooded with people during the summer and Christmas seasons.
Check out -> Deer Lake
Homepage