Park Pulse
About this project
Park Pulse is a 4-year park improvement program that is currently installing park and recreation amenities throughout the city. Beginning in summer of 2024, this initiative is creating inviting and engaging public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
In 2023, the federal government launched the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to support projects involved in increasing affordable housing, constructing housing related infrastructure, and building community-amenities, such as parks, that support the creation of complete communities.
Our parks are more than just green spaces; they are vital community infrastructure that enhance livability, foster social cohesion and contribute to economic development. They play a key role in supporting higher density housing by providing shared amenities and recreational opportunities, making our neighbourhoods more attractive and resilient. Through the HAF-funded Park Pulse program, we are improving our parks, making them safer, more beautiful and more enjoyable for everyone.
What is happening now?
The parks scheduled for upgrades in 2026 include:
On the Day of Play, you’re invited to join us to celebrate all opportunities for play in Burnaby parks. We’ll also be showcasing all the incredible park spaces we revitalized in the past year, and the exciting new projects coming up next. This year, we’ll be at Willingdon Park celebrating the new basketball courts! This project features a brand-new public art mural painted on the court, created by artist Angie Quintanilla Coates, with input from local youth artists. The celebration will feature music, food, basketball games and Parks and Recreation activities.
Details TBD. Check back soon!
Join us to celebrate the opening of the Mountain Air Bike Skills Course! We’re revamping the bike park to add new ride tracks, pump tracks and a BMX course. The bike skills course is located on the north side of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area accessible via Barnet Highway. Get ready for a family-friendly destination with riding for all ages and abilities. The opening event will feature Learn to Ride demonstrations, music, food and exhibits.
Details TBD. Check back soon!
Located in the heart of Parkcrest community, the playground at Kensington Park will be upgraded with a larger play area to be more inclusive and shaded for our park users. You can expect the new playground to have a large play structure designed for a variety of age groups, new features for group play and new swings. We’re also planting new trees to help stay cool during summer.
The well-loved spray park at Edmonds Park will be receiving a colourful mural in 2027. The mural will be created with input from the community over the summer at Art in the Park through hands-on art-making sessions. The artist-led design process will express the creativity of our community. The art creation is scheduled for fall 2026 with the installation in 2027.
Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park is receiving a full signage refresh to enhance the overall park experience. The new signage program includes improved wayfinding, updated etiquette signage, new maps and interpretive signage at the newly restored pier. Installation is planned for summer and fall of 2026.
The temporary loungers found in many parks in both 2024 and 2025 were received with overwhelmingly positive response. The collection of 30 loungers will be made permanent in 2026.
2025 Park Pulse improvements
We upgraded signage in our park kiosks–the whole park received fresh, improved wayfinding and informational signage to make Burnaby’s landmark park easier to navigate and enjoy than ever before.
The playground at McKay Park was refreshed to make the park more welcoming and fun for visitors of all ages. This included new accessible paths, fencing and planting and play equipment for young children.
Other improvements
9 playgrounds received accessibility upgrades to make parks and playgrounds around Burnaby more inclusive to all. These upgrades included accessible swings with back support, rubber mats in high wear areas, paved letdowns for barrier-free entry into play areas and improvements to paths and site amenities. In 2025, the list of parks receiving upgrades included:
- Avondale Park
- Cariboo Park
- Charles Rummel Park
- Forest Glen Park
- Halifax Park
- Kinnee Park
- Lakeview School Park
- Squint Lake Park
- Wesburn Park
2024 Park Pulse improvements
Park Pulse added improvements to 7 parks in 2024, bringing colour, fun and new accessible ways to play to parks across the city. This included bright, bold new courts at Brentwood Park, lounge seating at Deer Lake Park, colourful makeovers for the spray pads at Ernie Winch and Keswick parks and a new sandbox at Kinnee Park. Lobley Park and Poplar Park received refreshed playground equipment, and rubberized surfacing made from recycled tires, thanks to a generous grant from Tire Stewardship BC. All these locations also featured bright, colourful temporary furniture and shade umbrellas in the summer to help residents get the most out of their local parks, even in the summer heat.