Newton’s green spaces are getting some long-awaited attention.
Surrey councillor Pardeep Kooner, who grew up in Newton and still calls the community home, says several neighbourhood parks are now part of the city’s focus for revitalization and local improvement.
“I think moving forward on the BRT design is part of what is going to be a huge impact for Newton,” Kooner said, referring to council’s recent approval for TransLink to advance its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) design work along King George Boulevard. “But alongside those major projects, we also need to look closer to home — at the smaller parks and everyday spaces that really shape people’s lives.”
On September 29, Surrey council approved the next design phase for the BRT project, allowing TransLink and city staff to complete 30 percent of the design work. This will include studying corridor layouts, pedestrian connections, and proposed station areas for Surrey Central, Newton Town Centre, and Semiahmoo Town Centre.
While BRT is expected to transform mobility in the city, Kooner emphasized the importance of investing in community spaces that residents use daily.
“There’s a lot happening in Newton,” she said. “The Tamanawis Park field is going in, Unwin Park is getting a full redesign, and T.E. Scott will finally have its washroom and community centre.”
Kooner said the next step is to focus on smaller neighbourhood parks — the ones within walking distance that children and families visit after dinner.
“I grew up here. I remember evenings when everyone from the neighbourhood gathered at the local park. We need to bring that back — spaces that are safe, welcoming, and accessible,” she said.
She added that investing in local parks is not just about recreation but about improving community well-being. “That’s what really impacts people’s lives,” she said.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Committee will oversee the planning and design of these upcoming improvements, with project details expected in upcoming council updates.
