Port Moody's representatives celebrate official reopening of Inlet Park after redevelopment

Pictured from left to right: Port Moody Councillor Haven Lurbiecki; Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo; Port Moody Councillor Diana Dilworth; Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti; Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon; Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Rick Glumac; Port Moody Councillor Callan Morrison; and Kwikwetlem First Nation Elder Xem-Tu-Mus, Steve Armstrong celebrate Inlet Park’s re-opening on May 17. City of Port Moody photo.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Inlet Park was held on Friday, May 17, celebrating the completion of the first two of four redevelopment phases.

Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti and council, MLA Rick Glumac, and local MPs Bonita Zarrillo and Ron McKinnon were all in attendance for the official opening at 3024 Murray St.

“Community green spaces are essential for Port Moody’s growth as a vibrant city,” Glumac said. “Port Moody is on its way to having a recreation hub where everyone from aspiring athletes to families can live actively.”

Phase one and two of the Inlet Park Redevelopment Project had a budget of approximately $8 million, which includes a $206,415 investment from the federal government and $4.3 million from the province, through the joint Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

The City of Port Moody put in $3.5 million into the capital project, which began construction in early 2023.

Inlet Park has been “absolutely transformed from a gravel field into a wonderful and versatile recreation facility with spaces to gather and play,” Lahti said.

“I have no doubt that it will have a positive impact on Port Moody’s sense of community for many years to come. I hope everyone will feel welcome here,” she said.

The park now has a high-quality, all-weather, artificial turf surface, according to the city. The improvements include a FIFA-regulation soccer field; three smaller “Super 8” soccer pitches with wide end zones and sidelines suitable for younger players; two baseball and softball diamonds; batting cages; a children’s playground with natural play area and a raised boardwalk; 350 new trees and more than 6,000 shrubs; along with additional parking and EV infrastructure.

McKinnon, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, said the incorporation of sports fields, restorative landscaping, and EV charging stations make the facility a “green asset” for Port Moody.

“This is a project that will positively impact Port Moody for years to come, providing residents with more recreational opportunities and places to enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “We will continue working collaboratively to create cleaner, more vibrant communities.”

Phase three and four of the project include the construction of a new fieldhouse facility, the design of which is around 50 percent complete with construction slated to begin in 2025.

Total cost of these phases will be released closer to completion, according to the city.