DNV council supports Catherine Pope’s plan for play structure at Kirkstone Park

At a council meeting on May 25, the District of North Vancouver supported a proposal by Coun. Catherine Pope asking staff to report back on the cost and location for a play structure at Kirkstone Park in Lynn Valley.

“Forested multi-use pathways are running through Kirkstone Park, a soccer turf field, baseball diamond and skateboard park. However, there are no play structures for young children and toddlers, leaving a critical gap in amenities for families,” Pope noted in her motion. “With a growing town centre and a rise in the number of young families moving to Lynn Valley, the need will increase.”

At least two daycares bring about 60 children to the park most days, and with more housing developments proposed, Pope said the gap in child-friendly amenities must be addressed. “A toddler-friendly play structure would benefit young children, daycares that frequent Kirkstone Park, families with older children playing sports at the same time, and residents seeking walkable, eco-friendly recreation options.”

Local parent Alicia Peters, who is leading the community campaign for the project, urged the council to act before families age out of the need. “We want Kirkstone to be a place where everyone can play,” Peters told the council. “We want Lynn Valley to be walkable too, but right now, we often find ourselves getting in the car for accessible toddler activities.”

Peters pointed to Lynn Valley’s transformation from 2015 to 2025 into “a dense community filled with young families,” and reminded council that more growth is expected. “The OCP update anticipates an additional 22,000 homes, and is one of four town centers. Much of that growth will be in Lynn Valley.” She said concerns about a lack of space should not prevent action. “You’ll hear that there’s no space, and I urge you to push back. Instead of saying no, let’s ask how it can be done.”

Peters said she worked with a local park design company to identify a feasible site and even measured it herself. “We found one between the skate park and the field, and it’s roughly—it’s an odd shape—64 feet by 64 by 54 by 32 feet, or roughly 2,500 square feet,” she said. “The area has space for at least one structure with a slide and climbing features, and the one shown virtually, I’m told, measures 27 by 26 feet. So tons of room.”

Families are ready to help cover costs, Peters added. “If you approve this motion and commit to building a play structure that today’s kids can use, Lynn Valley parents will help fundraise so that future generations can use it too.” She noted that the park design company has also identified grant opportunities. “This isn’t just about a playground. It’s about showing residents that as development accelerates, the municipality remains committed to enhancing local amenities and listening to the needs of its people.”