The City of Richmond has been awarded the prestigious 2025 BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) Parks Excellence Award for the redeveloped Minoru Park – Lakes District. 

The Lakes District comprises 6.5 hectares (16 acres) within the 26 hectare (65 acre) Minoru Park, and has been a cherished haven for Richmond residents and visitors for over 40 years. Consisting of two connected lakes and over 600 metres of picturesque trails weaving through Japanese-inspired gardens, the Lakes District offers a tranquil escape from the inner city amenities around it.

“Minoru Park is an important and popular location to relax and enjoy nature in the middle of our growing city,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The renewal of the lake and park, funded in part with support from the federal and provincial governments, has created an even more inviting location that is welcoming to people of all ages. We are delighted to receive this award in recognition of its value to our community.”

The BCPRA Award honours excellence in the design and development of park spaces that use natural elements or repurposed materials and reflect innovative community culture. It highlights the importance of making outdoor spaces accessible, and recognizes parks that encourage individuals and communities to connect with nature.

The Minoru Park – Lakes District underwent a major redesign and infrastructure upgrade between 2022 and 2024 that saw the development of deeper lakes with biofiltration beds and aeration features to improve water quality and reduce water loss. New habitats were created to support local wildlife, while a new waterfall, benches, picnic tables, and wider universally-accessible pathways provide an inviting park experience. The design approach and features reflect feedback from the community gathered during a series of online and multilingual in-person open houses prior to redevelopment.

“The BC Recreation and Parks Association is pleased to recognize the City of Richmond’s work to make the Minoru Park – Lakes District even more inviting and welcoming,” said Katie Fenn, BCRPA Chief Executive Officer. “By working with its community, it has brought new life to an already popular location and captured the essence of BCRPA’s vision of creating active, vibrant communities by championing the power of recreation and parks across British Columbia.” 

The award was announced at the BCRPA Awards and Annual General Meeting in Whistler on Thursday, May 8, and will be presented to Mayor and Council at the May 26 Council Meeting in Richmond.

For more information on Minoru Park – Lakes District, visit richmond.ca/parks. For information on the BC Recreation and Parks Association, visit bcrpa.bc.ca.