The City of Richmond has officially opened the renewed Steveston Park Playground. As a recipient of the 2024 TSBC Community Grant Program, the playground renewal project showcases the power of imaginative play, inclusivity, and accessibility. Enhanced by the innovative use of BC recycled car tires for its surfacing, the new playground offers improved durability. It also helps reduce injuries, supports local industries, and is made from locally recycled materials. Additionally, the surface is water-permeable and low-maintenance.

Located in the heart of historic Steveston Village, the new playground replaces aging infrastructure originally built in 2003. Much of the original equipment had exceeded its life expectancy and no longer met today’s safety or accessibility standards.

A Surface Built with BC Recycled Tires

At the core of the playground’s revitalization is the innovative use of 2,925 BC recycled car tires. These tires collected in BC were processed into durable, pour-in-place rubber surfacing. This soft, slip-resistant surface plays a crucial role in ensuring child safety. It also offers exciting new thematic design features such as colourful salmon-shaped mounds, vibrant gradients, and playable rubber stairs.

Tire recycling in BC is made possible through a strong network of participants and partners. One standout example is our partnership with Ocean Legacy Foundation, which operates a recycling facility in Richmond. This collaboration helps divert discarded tires from oceans and waterways. As a result, they are responsibly recycled and transformed into useful products, such as durable rubber surfacing. Beyond tires, Ocean Legacy’s cleanup efforts have removed over 3 million pounds of plastic waste from local environments and have helped create 1,200 jobs to date. At their recycling facility, they transform recycled plastics, such as fishing nets and other ocean debris, into innovative new products.

The rubber surfacing is strategically complemented by other materials such as wood fibre and play sand, providing functionality across different play zones. The combination of textures supports sensory development and a richer play experience for children of all ages.

A Playground with Purpose

The reimagined Steveston Park Playground is far more than a play space. Situated prominently at the intersection of No. 1 Road and Moncton Street, it serves as the only city-owned playground within an 800+ metre radius. Thanks to its visibility and centrality, it serves as a gathering place for families, tourists, and residents alike.

The new layout features custom signature structures, including a lighthouse and a shipwreck, paying homage to Steveston’s maritime roots. Enhanced pathways, boardwalks, and seating areas provide comfort and accessibility for all visitors. Because of this, the park is as enjoyable for caregivers as it is for energetic kids.

Inclusivity was a driving force behind the redesign. With early and continuous input from the Richmond Centre for Disability and the Rick Hansen Foundation, the playground was developed to meet diverse needs and mobility levels. The result is a space where children of all abilities can play side by side, supported by thoughtful design elements that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and safety.

Related: 11 TSBC Community Grant Program Recipients Announced for 2025

Future of Play

Steveston Park has long been a community anchor. It hosts civic institutions such as the Steveston Public Library, Community Centre, and Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. It’s located within walking distance of several elementary schools, including Gilmore, Westwind, and Homma, making it an essential amenity for hundreds of families.

Importantly, the park plays a key role in major public events, including the annual Canada Day in Steveston celebrations. With attractions like the Salmon Festival and Parade drawing more than 80,000 attendees, the newly revitalized playground will now serve as a stunning and functional centrepiece for these community traditions.

For more information on TSBC Community Grant Program and how recycled tires are transforming communities across BC, visit TSBC.CA.