Construction on Burke Mountain Athletic Park set to begin this summer

The trees have been cut, the ground’s been prepped, and now the design has been approved.

Coquitlam council unanimously signed off on the plan for an 8.9-acre park around the 3400-block of David Avenue including an artificial turf field, running track, and tennis courts at Monday’s meeting.

“Burke Mountain residents have waited a while, but it’s almost there,” Coun. Robert Mazzarolo said Monday.

After finding a contractor this spring and settling on a budget, construction is tentatively set to begin in July with work wrapped up in the summer of 2026.

The artificial turf field is outfitted with LED lights and has lines set up for soccer, field hockey and field lacrosse, according to the design. The six-lane rubberized 400-metre running track is designed to include an eight-lane 100-metre straightaway.

Coun. Dennis Marsden predicted the Burke Mountain park would be the most impressive looking artificial turf field in the city.

“It’s really, really important that we do a good job and deliver at a high level,” he said, noting the city’s investment in the project.

Between operating and asset replacement costs, the city will likely pay $750,000 a year – an approximately 0.33 percent tax increase, Marsden said.

The city and school district acquired the 23-acre property more than a decade ago.

A little more than 60 percent of the site, 14.2 acres, is owned by the school district and earmarked for a high school, middle school and a grass sports field. The school district’s portion is also slated to include a parking lot with 60 stalls available for public use outside of school hours.

The city’s share of the earthworks phase was $19.3 million.

The slope between the four tennis courts and the pond was a point of concern for Coun. Trish Mandewo, who suggested a net to keep the tennis balls out of the water.

Council approved the design unanimously, “and with enthusiasm,” said Mayor Richard Stewart.

Coun. Steve Kim recused himself from the discussion due to the relationship between the school district and a charitable organization for which he works.