The pocket-sized park on Wharf Street has given Hammond residents close-up views of the water for several weeks now.
As of Saturday, though, it will be officially open, with its official name, Emmeline Mohun Park.
The name is a tribute to one of the pioneers of the area, who along with the Hammond brothers, set out the design of the original Port Hammond.
The park was built last year on an acre of district land at a cost of less than $150,000. It’s considered a neighbourhood park, which local people can access within five minutes walk.
The park is located along Wharf Street in a residential area and has a winding pathway and sitting area, as well as access to the Fraser River. It’s also been designed so that people can see the river from the park, opening up access to the water in the neighourhood.
Staff made the recommendation for the name to the parks commission which then referred it to Maple Ridge council, said Bruce McLeod, parks planning manager.
Hammond resident Eric Phillips had criticized the park earlier, saying it was unsafe for small children because it was too easy to the get to the water.
But McLeod said getting to the water requires walking on a rough section of ground with rocks.
People in the area have been asking for a park for a decade, Phillips said.
Park opening
The opening starts at 11 a.m. with a Katzie First Nation drumming ceremony followed by a plaque unveiling and ribbon cutting.
Both Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin and Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters will be at the opening of the park at 20208 Wharf St.