Metro Vancouver Park: Redwood Park
bySurrey’s Redwood Park came up in conversation when I recently spoke with Jack Christie, author of 52 Best Day Trips From Vancouver. My father took us there when we were young and now my sister takes her kids out there to enjoy the playground, trails, and most of all the wide selection of trees. I thought it would make a great candidate for the latest post in my Metro Vancouver Park Series.
How to get there
The park is located between 20th and 16th avenue and 180th street in Surrey. You can come in on Highway 15 (176th street), turn onto 20th, then turn and head South on 180th, follow signs for the parking lot. [Google Map].
History
The name “Redwood Park” comes from the giant Sequoias (Coast Redwoods) that you can find within its boundaries. “It was once part of the homestead of early pioneer, David Brown. When his twin sons, David and Peter, were 21 he gave them each 40 acres on the hilltop which had been logged. They immediately began to replant it with exotic species of trees from around the world.” [source] The boys planted 32 species of trees native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
The twins lived on their land until 1958 and the treehouse is a replica of their home. I found out from Jack that it can be even rented out from the City of Surrey for functions.
Features
Grassy meadow, treehouse, arboretum, over 5kms on nature trails, accessible playground, covered picnic areas, washrooms. The round-trip on the trail will take about an hour. Dogs are allowed but I don’t know the official word on leashes (I think many just go off-leash anyway).
While there is no watering hole, you can cool off under the canopy on warm summer days and enjoy the serenity of the meadow at any time of year.
Find more parks by browsing all 36 entries in my Metro Vancouver Park Series.
