Courtenay Rec pages CV Rec Guide Winter 2026

Courtenay Parks

Partial mock-up of the Woodcote playground

Revitalizing Woodcote Park for play and sustainability

The former irrigation system, nearly 25 years old, no longer met modern water efficiency standards. The new electric system enhances performance and support conservation efforts. Improved drainage also makes the sports field safer and more reliable during wet weather, benefiting local sports groups and near by schools that frequently use the park. The playground replacement project is guided by the Let’s Play, Courtenay! standards, a strategic priority for City Council from 2023 to 2026. These standards are rooted in the Official Community Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and they aim to create play spaces that grow with the community. As Courte nay evolves, so too will its parks, with careful planning and continued public input shaping each step. Funding for the project comes from the Province of B.C.’s Growing Communities Fund, supporting Cour tenay’s commitment to enhancing public spaces and promoting sustainability. The City invites everyone to be part of this exciting transformation — and to celebrate the opening of the new playground in late 2025! Stay tuned for updates and engagement opportunities by visiting engagecomoxvalley.ca/woodcote .

Exciting changes are underway at Woodcote Park in West Courtenay, as the City of Courtenay prepares to replace the aging playground and has upgraded the park’s irrigation system. This transformative project will bring a fresh, inclusive play space to the four-acre community park, while also improving water efficiency and field conditions. Originally installed over 30 years ago, the former playground equipment had reached the end of its lifespan. The new playground will be designed in alignment with the City’s recently adopted Let’s Play, Courtenay! Park Playground Design Stan dards, which emphasize accessibility, creativity, and diverse play experiences. These standards were de veloped through extensive public engagement and reflect the community’s vision for vibrant, inclusive parks. The preferred concept for the new playground was endorsed by Council in May 2025, following a public survey and engagement sessions. While minor adjustments may be made due to budget consider ations, the final design will reflect the community’s feedback and priorities. A detailed design and pro curement process is now underway, with equip ment orders expected to take 12–14 weeks. Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall 2025, with completion expected by the end of the year. In preparation, Woodcote Park closed earlier in the fall for drainage and irrigation upgrades and play ground removal.

Courtenay Parks | 250-338-5371 | 250-338-1525 | courtenay.ca/rec

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