The City of Port Moody has successfully completed the Westhill Park playground upgrade. This enhancement has resulted in a more accessible and inclusive space for children and visitors of all abilities. As one of the 2023 recipients of the TSBC Community Grant Program, this project highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces. Through the installation of rubberized surfacing made from 840 recycled BC car tires, the playground provides a safe and welcoming environment for families to enjoy.

Related: Applications Now Open for TSBC Community Grant Program 2025

A Playground Designed for All

Westhill Park is a cherished destination for families in Port Moody, offering a variety of play equipment designed to engage children of all ages and abilities. Features include:

• Play structures for ages 2–5 and 5–12, incorporating accessible elements such as transfer platforms and ground-level play panels.
• A variety of swings, including bucket swings, belt swings, and an accessible Oodle swing.
• A track ride, encouraging active and imaginative play.

In 2023, the City of Port Moody identified the need to expand the playground’s rubber surfacing, which previously covered only a portion of the area. With the support of the TSBC Community Grant Program, the project was made possible. The new pour-in-place rubber surface, made from recycled BC car tires, replaces areas of engineered wood fibre, prioritizing spaces where children in wheelchairs and with special needs can engage with accessible play elements.

“This enhancement removes a significant barrier for children with mobility challenges and invisible disabilities,” noted a city representative in their 2023 grant application. “The expanded rubber surfacing creates opportunities for all children to play, connect, and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment.”

It is situated near key amenities, including a swimming pool, sports fields, picnic areas, and public washrooms. Moreover, Westhill Park Playground now offers an even more seamless and enjoyable experience for families. The city has completed additional upgrades, such as an accessible ramp from the parking lot to the washrooms and a repaved parking lot with accessible letdowns, which further complement the playground’s improvements.

The TSBC Community Grant Program

To date, the TSBC Community Grant Program has supported 349 projects in over 90 communities in BC. It has awarded over $6 million to create accessible, inclusive, and safe spaces. From Sparwood to Prince Rupert and from Victoria to Fort St. John, the grant projects are benefiting communities all across BC. These projects transform community spaces using products made from BC recycled tires. These surfacing solutions include pour-in-place surfaces, tiles, and other innovative materials, which promote safety, durability, and tire recyclability.