A groundbreaking was held at Sunnyside Park in South Surrey June 30 to mark the start of major improvements to the park.
The $3.7-million project for the softball park, which has had a master plan for upgrades and field replacement in place since 2007, was approved in the 2025-2029 five-year capital financial plan.
"Our council recognizes the importance of creating top-quality sports and recreation facilities to support our growing community,” said Mayor Brenda Locke in a city release.
“The four new ball parks will feature foul line and homerun fencing, new team dugouts and bleacher seating. The new diamonds not only support the growing interest in softball, but are another example of our ongoing commitment to expanding quality sports facilities throughout Surrey to strengthen our reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.”
The ball diamonds in fields 1 to 4, located in the western portion of the park, will enhance safety and playability of the fields. The new diamonds will have irrigated turfgrass and pathways to access the park’s other facilities, the release said, while field lighting will also be added to Field 1 to allow for evening play.
“This investment in Sunnyside Park is part of our broader commitment to enhancing outdoor sport facilities across Surrey,” said Coun. Gordon Hepner, chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Sport Tourism Committee.
“These upgraded diamonds will provide expanded opportunities for local softball clubs to contribute to the continued growth of the sport in South Surrey and beyond.”
The project is among more than 36 projects funded over the next five years, the release said.
Although the major renovations temporarily reduced field availability and led to a cap on registrations, South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball Association president Thomas Bell recently said the organization has still been able to successfully run a full season with nine rep teams and 31 house teams, from Learn to Play through U19, with help from the City of Surrey in securing additional field space to keep games and practices running smoothly.
“We’re incredibly thankful to the city for stepping in to help us this year,” Bell said. “With Sunnyside Park expected to return next season, we’re optimistic about being able to welcome even more families into our programs.”
