THE City of Surrey on Saturday officially opened West Newton Community Park, a new 3.5 hectare community space featuring a playground, walking loops, park shelters, and Surrey’s first cricket field with natural grass wickets.

The construction of this park marks one of the final projects of the $700 million Build Surrey Program with a total of $2.8 million invested in its design and construction.

“West Newton Community Park has been developed to meet the growing needs of the community,” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “The new amenities will ensure residents will have ample opportunity for social, recreational, and fitness activities.”

Cricket is a very popular sport in Surrey; it has the second-highest number of registered cricketers in Canada, after Toronto. The natural grass wickets, field house, and on-site parking facilities make this site suitable for tournament play, and therefore is a potential regional sport tourism destination, the City noted in its press release.

“West Newton Community Park is a great addition to the community of Newton,” said Councillor Linda Hepner, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Committee. “Residents of all ages will enjoy its beautiful amenities, and given the popularity of cricket both in Surrey and internationally, it will also serve as a unique sports tourism destination with considerable economic benefits.”

The opening celebration included cricket demonstrations, face painting, and entertainment.

For more information about West Newton Community Park visit www.surrey.ca/parks