TSBC Community Grant Program Supports Safer Play at Popular Park

A well-loved community park playground in Houston, BC, is now safer, and more accessible thanks to the installation of a new playground made with recycled rubber surfacing. This year, the District of Houston celebrated the opening of the newly-upgraded playground at Steelhead Park, a popular destination for residents and travellers.

As a 2025 TSBC Community Grant Program recipient, the District incorporated BC recycled rubber into the playground’s fall zone surfacing. This enhancement improves safety while giving new life to end-of-life tires generated in BC.

Located along Highway 16, Steelhead Park is one of the first landmarks visitors encounter when entering Houston from Burns Lake on their way to Terrace and Prince Rupert. The park serves as an important gathering place throughout the year. It hosts community events, school activities, commemorations, and the town’s seasonal farmers market. Its central location and close proximity to three schools make it a frequent destination for children and families. Visitors also use the park year-round. The upgraded playground ensures the space can continue serving as a welcoming hub for recreation, learning, and community connection.

Related: Popular Abbotsford Park Gets a Recycled Tire Surface Upgrade

Giving New Life to BC Tires

The project demonstrates how recycled tire materials can be transformed into long-lasting community spaces. A total of 31,040 pounds of BC recycled rubber was used to create the playground surface. This amount is equivalent to approximately 1,829 car tires. The tires were processed in Delta, BC, and repurposed into a low-maintenance, durable, and safe surface. The upgraded playground will benefit BC families for years to come.

Poured-in-place rubber surfacing is becoming increasingly common in playgrounds across BC because it combines safety, accessibility, and durability in a single solution. Unlike mulch or gravel, which can shift over time, poured-in-place rubber creates a stable and consistent play surface. It remains in place through regular use and changing weather conditions, helping provide a safer play environment for the community.

The recycled surface also improves accessibility. It makes it easier for children, parents, caregivers, and individuals using mobility devices to move throughout the playground. Its shock-absorbing properties help reduce the severity of injuries from falls. Poured-in-place rubber surfacing also requires less maintenance than many traditional playground materials. Its long service life helps communities maximize the value of their recreation investments.

Projects like Steelhead Park highlight the important role recycled tire products can play in communities across BC. Through the TSBC Community Grant Program, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations can fund innovative projects that use recycled tire products. These products can be incorporated into playgrounds, sports facilities, pathways, splash pads, running tracks, and other public spaces. The program helps communities improve local infrastructure while supporting the use of recycled materials made from end-of-life BC tires.