46 PARKS www.abbotsford.ca/prc

Abbotsford Exhibition ParkAbbotsford Exhibition Park is a world class 75-acre park which boasts a wide variety of indoor and outdoor facilities, including: • Ag Rec Building (main fl oor - 23,040 sq/ft polished concrete

fl oor, capacity 1920)• Gallery multipurpose room overlooking main fl oor (3520 sq/ft,

capacity 293, full kitchen)• Agrifair Arena (dirt fl oor - 23000 sq/ft, capacity 1000, built-in

bleachers, separate kitchen)• Show Barn (asphalt fl oor with poles between, 23,940 sq/ft,

capacity 1995)• Pole barn (gravel fl oor, open-air barn)• Legacy Sports Centre (Legacy Banquet room, capacity 210,

kitchen, conference room, capacity 66)• Board Room (capacity 33, Wrestling Martial Arts gym/room)• Cadet Building (5727 sq/ft, capacity 400) painted concrete

fl oor• 4 - Slo-pitch/softball diamonds (ball pavilion with scorekeeper’s

rooms and washrooms)• Field House (shared by stadium and playing fi elds, 6 change

rooms, washrooms, concession)

Abbotsford Exhibition Park - Natural Turf WicketIn 2011, the artifi cial cricket pitch at Abbotsford Exhibition Park was converted to a natural cricket wicket. The wicket has four pitches that were constructed with specialized soil that was brought in from the Edmonton area. The soil requires a clay content that is signifi cantly higher than local soils have. Specialized equipment has been purchased and maintenance procedures have been established to provide the local cricket community an exciting venue for play. This conversion allows for Abbotsford to host both national and international cricket events.• Rotary Stadium (Grandstand capacity 4000, announcer’s booth,

timing tower, score clock, 400 meter rubberized track, grass fi eld /playing fi eld, washrooms, change rooms, concessions)

• World class BMX track

General Park InformationThe City of Abbotsford operates and maintains 70 playgrounds in our parks. In 2003, a Playground Replacement Program was put in place and, with the ongoing support from the Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Sumas, the City has been able to replace 12 playgrounds since that time.In 2013, the City was awarded a Federal Government Matching Infrastructure Grant to replace 10 of its aging playgrounds. This funding has enabled the City to replace the last of its non-CSA compliant playgrounds. Playground structures in Larch, Southern, Glenridge, Charlotte, Everett, Juniper, Renton, Fairfi eld, Uplands and Jubilee Park were replaced, as well as upgrades to surrounding infrastructure were completed in March 2014.New playground designs address inclusive play and serve children of all abilities. Replacing the old pea gravel surfacing with “wood carpet” not only provides better fall protection, but also makes our playgrounds wheelchair accessible. New protective fencing and asphalt pathways have been added at several of the playgrounds where needed to further enhance and provide better accessibility.

New DevelopmentAbbotsford Senior Secondary School - Synthetic Turf FieldIn partnership with Abbotsford School District No.34, Abbotsford Senior Secondary School is home to the newest synthetic turf fi eld. Synthetic turf fi elds provide great training venues for athletes involved with school and community sports. This fi eld has been marked for soccer, American football, unifi ed fi eld lacrosse and fi eld hockey.Bakerview Centre for Learning - Cricket PitchIn partnership with Abbotsford School District No.34, Bakerview Centre for Learning is home to the newest cricket fi eld. An artifi cial cricket pitch has been constructed to provide a venue for divisional play for local cricketeers. Cricket continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in the Fraser Valley.

Sports FieldsThe Abbotsford Parks, Recreation & Culture Department coordinates booking services for outdoor sports. For information on fi eld schedules and bookings, please contact the Field Coordinator, at 604.859.3134.

Field Inspection ProcedureDuring periods of potential inclement weather, generally November to March, when normal play may cause damage to fi elds, or compromise the safety of users, fi elds are inspected and reported upon as to the present conditions.These inspections occur daily during the business week regarding fi eld status. Parks staff report on conditions daily prior to 12pm for daily status.Prior to 12pm on Fridays, the weekend fi eld status will be reported on. This status is for the entire weekend until further inspections and reports to the website and the hotline are updated, on the fi rst business day of the next week. Field status over the weekend cannot be changed but are monitored by weekend staff, to ensure safety.Fields are closed to prevent situations that may lead to player injury and degradation of the fi eld surfaces. Conditions that warrant fi eld closures are:• Standing water• Frozen or snow covered fi eld surface• Excessive wear• Excessive frost• Weather forecasts stating inclement weather

For more information on any of the park section below, please contact our offi ce at: Ph: 604.859.3134 email: prcoffi ce@abbotsford.ca website: www.abbotsford.ca

Parks

47www.abbotsford.ca/prc PARKS

Picnic SheltersThe City has numerous picnic shelters that will accommodate your needs. Picnic shelters are next to playgrounds, washrooms and green spaces for all sorts of activities. Fire restrictions limit cooking to propane barbecues, supplied by the user group.Reserve your picnic shelter from April 1 - October 31. Picnic shelters are on a fi rst -come fi rst served basis for the remainder of the year. To reserve, please visit our website at www.abbotsford.ca to submit an online request.

VolunteerAre you interested in beautifying your local park space? The City of Abbotsford provides volunteers with the equipment and guidance necessary for adopting your local park. Challenge your family and friends to get involved with their community. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact: Alanna Carmichael, Volunteer Coordinator, 604.557.7050 or volunteer@abbotsford.ca

Park ProgramsParks Gift ProgramThe Parks Gift Program was developed to allow citizens, community groups and businesses to donate gifts to the City of Abbotsford for the enhancement of public parks and recreation facilities. Applications are accepted year round. To ensure survival, planting trees and shrubs may be delayed until an appropriate time of the year. Benches, picnic tables and similar gifts are ordered immediately upon receipt of payment and are installed upon receipt from the manufacturer. Donors can work with our Parks staff to ensure that the gift is appropriate for the location requested. All donations in excess of $1,000 will receive a bronze plaque inscribed with a message. Messages can be a maximum of 70 characters and plaques will be installed on, or next to your gift. Donations greater than $15,000 can be recognized with a plaque unveiling at a special event.

Cost Sharing of Private FencingAs a “Good Neighbour”, the City of Abbotsford will consider cost sharing the installation of fences constructed on residential properties shared with city parks and / or pedestrian walkways.

TreesThe City of Abbotsford has a bylaw in place to preserve the tree canopy in Abbotsford. The City also has measures in place to ensure that all trees are healthy and viable and contribute positively to the natural environment. Trees are important in our community to help us sustain a healthy, natural environment. Before cutting down any trees on your property, it is important to contact the Urban Forestry

Section to ensure that you comply with the bylaw (please see bylaw at www.abbotsord.ca). There is a fee for the tree-cutting permit. The current fee is indicated on the tree cutting application form. Permits are valid one year from the date of issue. For information on tree permits or if you have any comments or concerns regarding a tree on a City boulevard or park contact Parks, Recreation & Culture.Tips for your TreesFertilizing:• Fertilize your tree ONLY if a soil test shows that nutrients are

lacking. If so, an application of a balanced fertilizer may be applied before the tree begins to bud.

• Applying “weed and feed’ to your lawn may injure or kill your tree. Most combination weed killers and lawn fertilizers will injure trees. Do not use anything that states it will kill broad-leaved weeds within the drip line of a broad-leaved tree as it may harm the tree as well.

Mulching:• Maintain a ring of mulch around the base of the tree (the wider

the better). Organic materials like wood chips and leaves are best. Wood chips will take longer to break down and, therefore, will not require replacement as often.

• Mulch layer should not exceed more than 10 cm. deep over the roots as this may inhibit oxygen from reaching the roots.

• Mulch should not be placed against the bark of the tree or placed in a “mulch volcano”.

Watering:• An important factor in tree survival is providing water at the

correct frequency. The fi rst three years are most critical, but pay attention to watering needs throughout the tree’s life.

• The best way to know how often to water is to check the soil moisture approximately 15 cm. below the soil surface. Water when dry.

• For the fi rst three years after planting, provide about 10 liters of water per 3 cm. of trunk diameter. Water the root ball and just beyond radiating out from the trunk.

• As the trees age, supplemental watering is encouraged in times of low rainfall to assist in the development of healthy trees. Water larger trees within 2 m. of the trunk out to the drip line.

Geese and DucksPlease do not feed the geese and ducks.While it is enjoyable to feed waterfowl, it is detrimental to them and to our environment.Feeding waterfowl creates numerous problems such as:• Disturbs natural migration patterns, leading to extremely large

concentrations of birds - overcrowding can lead to disease and fi ghting amongst the population.

• Destroys the birds’ ability to forage and fi nd food for themselves.• Deprives the birds of essential nutrients and can cause serious

digestive problems.• Attracts rats and other vermin due to the large amount of food

scraps in the area.• Reduces usable areas for people due to large amounts of feces and

potentially aggressive geese.• Causes costly efforts to keep our parklands usable and clean and

to manage the ever-increasing numbers of waterfowl.The presence of wildlife can greatly enhance your park experience but, when waterfowl concentrations become too high, it can diminish your experience as well as causing signifi cant increases in maintenance costs.Please help us to manage these large waterfowl populations by allowing the birds to feed themselves. Remember, real geese don’t eat bread.

Bronze Cross & CPR C (14yrs+)Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safety supervision in aquatics facilities. Candidates develop profi ciency at performing patient assessments, managing aquatic emergencies, while developing stroke endurance and fi tness training skills.

Bronze Medallion (13yrs+)Students learn self-rescue techniques, defense and release methods and tows and carries in preparation for challenging rescues and unconscious victims of various types, including spinal injuries and circulatory emergencies. Lifesavers develop stroke effi ciency in a timed swim (500m in 15 minutes).

Life Saving Instructor (16yrs+)Lifesaving Instructors are trained to teach and evaluate Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Lifesaving for Adults, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Distinction.

National Lifeguard Instructor (16yrs+) NLS Training develops basic lifeguarding skills, principles and decision-making to assist the lifeguard in evaluating and adapting to different aquatic emergencies and facilities. NLS is the standard measurement of lifeguarding performance across Canada.

National Lifeguard Instructor Precertifi cation/Recertifi cation (16yrs+) This course includes both the precert and recert for certifi ed lifeguards.

Water Safety Instructor (16yrs+) The water safety instructor course further develops instructional ability by focusing on how to effectively plan and teach Red Cross Swim Preschool, Swim Kids and Aqua Adults Programs.

Water Safety Instructor Assistant (15yrs+) Assistant Water Safety Instructor (AWSI) covers the foundation of physical and instructional skills. AWSI includes physical principles, stroke progressions, communication methods and safety supervision skills with a heavy focus on teaching principles and learning styles. Once certifi ed, candidates have two years to become a Water Safety Instructor.

Water Safety Instructor Recertifi cation (16yrs+)This course prepares candidates to instruct the Red Cross Water Safetyprogram. Instructors will experience, analyze and apply the Swim Kids,and Aqua Adult program curriculum. Principles of injury prevention,inclusion and progressive learning and Red Cross fundamental principlesare reinforced.

Swimming ProgramsJunior Lifeguard Club (8yrs - 12yrs)Learn lifesaving skills, fi rst aid, stroke development, shadow guarding and how to run games and special events. Intro to snorkeling, water fi tness classes and speed swimming. Fun competitions and great lifesaving games to play are all part of the fun!Abbotsford Recreation CentreJul 7 - Jul 11 M-F 9:00am - 11:30am 5/$112 245879Jul 21 - Jul 25 M-F 9:00am - 11:30am 5/$112 245880Aug 4 - 8 M-F 9:00am - 11:30am 5/$112 245881Matsqui Recreation CentreAug 2 - 23 Sa 9:00am - 11:30am 4/$90 245882

Private Swim Lessons (All Ages)Register for a One-on-One private lesson or semi-private lesson. Check outall the available options on www.Direct2Rec.com to see what times anddates are available at both Abbotsford and Matsqui Recreation Centres.

56 SWIMMING www.abbotsford.ca/prc

Lifeguard and swim instructor courses are offered at both Abbotsford and Matsqui Recreation Centres.For full course listings please visit us online at www.direct2rec.comor call Abbotsford Recreation Centre: 604.853.4221 orMatsqui Recreation Centre: 604.855.0500.

Lifeguard Courses

LibrariesAbbotsford Community Library FVRL ......................................... 604-853-1753Clearbrook Library, FVRL ............................................................ 604-859-7814Mount Lehman Library, FVRL ...................................................... 604-856-4988

NatureAbbotsford Mission Nature Club ....................................... Hank 604-853-4283Abbotsford Ravine Park Salmon .......................................... Earl 604-864-9849Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center Society ............................... Elizabeth 604-852-9173Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC) ....................... Tanya 604-504-4716

SeniorsAbbotsford Community Services ................................. Christina 604-870-3763Abbotsford Learning Plus Society ................................... Wanda 778-808-7377Abbotsford Social Activity Association… .............................. Jim 604-859-6531B.C. Old Age Pensioners Or. Branch 69 ................................Bev 604-756-0348BC Seniors Games ..........................................................Richard 604-796-9470Canadian Celia Association .....................................................1-877-736-2240Clearbrook Golden Age ........................................ www.gardenparktower.comIndo Canadian Seniors Society ................................. Nachhattar 604-835-6696Mayfair Sunshine Club ......................................................Frank 604-859-2123National Association of Federal Retirees .............................Gary 604-820-9179New Horizon Friendship House Society ............................Walter 604-850-2875Probus Club of Abbotsford ................................................. Bob 604-850-3925Seniors Health Aging Resource Environment Society (SHARES) ............................................................................................................ Christina 604-870-3763

Service GroupsAbbotsford Community Services ...............................Front Desk 604-859-7681 Abbotsford Masonic Lodge #70 .........................................Larry 604-746-7796Kiwanis Club of Abbotsford ................................................Paul 604-852-4191Kiwanis Club of Clearbrook ........................................Manfred 604-309-2034 Lions Club Abbotsford ........................................................ Ron 604-308-6037Royal Canadian Legion .................................................Geoffrey 604-744-8332Welcome Wagon .............................................................. Betty 604-556-5341

WomenAbby-Mission Newcomers Club .........................................Corry 604-859-4859Canadian Federation of University Women .......................... Lois 604-850-6643Fraternal Order of Eagles Aux #2726 .................................Carol 604-852-2526Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission ............... Kathy 778-808-1139Valley Women’s Network ................................................ Ronda 604-202-1049

YouthAbbotsford Youth Commission ...................................... Christy 604-854-8785Abbotsford Youth Unlimited ..........................................Jacquie 604-852-2725Jobs Daughters International ............................................ Sheila 604-820-5284

SPORTSGeneralAbbotsford BMX .............................................................. Cindy 604-855-1581Abbotsford Badminton Club ................................................ Les 604-852-9218Abbotsford Curling Club ................................................... Tracy 604-859-9244Abbotsford Fish and Game Club ......................................... Rob 604-309-0203Abbotsford Horseshoe Club ............................................ Archie 604-854-2019Abbotsford Sport Council ................................................. Mark 604-859-1345Apollo Fitness Facility ........................................................... Jim 604-504-7560Aurara Vaulters (equestrian) .............................................Raven 604-791-1592Baton Twirling Association of BC ................................. Shannon 604-315-3751Centre Ice .........................................................................Laura 604-504-7565Eileen’s Studio for Yoga & Wellness ................................. .Eileen 604-504-5531Great West Fitness & Tennis Club .....................................Nicole 604-854-3284Langley Quarter Midget Association ...................................Leah 604-882-8710Mid Valley Athletic Club ....................................................... Jim 778-878-3459Phoenix Velo Training Group ............................................ Geoff 604-826-5330Seniors 10 Pin Bowling League ............................................Fred 604-755-0938Twisters Gymnastics Club .............................................. Jennifer 604-850-8500Ultimate Fitness ...............................................................James 604-853-6083Valley Stars Cheer Athletics ........................................................ 604-556-3374

ArcheryRidgedale Rod & Gun Club .............................................. David 604-850-1140Sagittarius Archers .........................................................Wayne 604-859-2086

BaseballAbbotsford Angels Hardball ................................................Dan 604-807-0877Abbotsford Cardinals Premier Baseball .............................. Andy 778-808-3808Abbotsford Minor Fastball Assc (AMFA) ..............................Deb 604-864-4911

BasketballAthletes in Action, Friday Nite BBALL League ....................Frank 604-897-1987FV Basketball League ........................................................ Barry 604-854-5084

BowlingGalaxy Bowl Club ..........................................................Richard 604-853-1366Jubilee Park Lawn Bowling Club .........................................John 604-556-0106

FootballFV Touch Football League .................................................. Lloyd 604-309-2208

Four-H ClubsAbbotsford District 4-H .......................................................Dan 604-807-0877Sumas 4-H Holstein Club ............................................... Angela 604-852-8640

GolfFraserglen Golf Course ...................................................Corrine 604-852-3477Ledgeview Golf and Country Club .................................... Chris 604-859-8993Valley Golf Centre ............................................................. Keith 604-853-4653

Hockey: Ball, Roller & IceAbbotsford Female Hockey Assoc... ............................... ..Sarah 604-859-8907Peter Hay Development (PHD) ........................................... Peter 778-549-3973Valley Ball Hockey Association ...................................... Rebecca 778-580-8242

LacrosseAbbotsford Minor Lacrosse ........................... Lyndsey-weiss@abbylacrosse.com

Martial ArtsAbbotsford Filipino Martial Arts ..................................... Brando 604-799-5201Abbotsford Gima-Ha Karate Club (GSK) ..............................Paul 604-556-1444Abbotsford Judo Club ...................................................... Tokue 604-852-8014Abbotsford Shotokan Karate Dojo ............................................. 604-853-3849Fraser Valley Aikikai ...........................................................Steve 604-820-4438Master Lee’s Tae Kwon Do ...................................... Master Lee 604-852-8824Sun Hang Do ................................................................... Bryan 604-309-5562

SkatingAbbotsford Skating Club .................................www.abbotsfordskatingclub.org Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Club .................................... Kim 604-854-6097

SoccerAbbotsford Men’s Soccer League ........................................Jack 604-852-0309Central Valley Soccer League ............................................... Ron 604-746-2282Fraser Valley Mixed Soccer League ....................................Chad 604-613-6688Magnuson Ford Mariners F.C. (ASA) ...................................John 604-302-4207Royal Soccer Club ...................................................................1-800-427-0536

SwimmingAbbotsford Olympians Swim Club ................................. Bryan 1-604-825-1856Abbotsford Whalers Swim Club Keith ................. www.abbotsfordwhalers.com

TennisAbbotsford Tennis Club .................................................... Jenny 604-855-4025Abbotsford Table Tennis Club ............................................ Andy 604-855-7233Great West Fitness & Tennis Club .....................................Nicole 604-854-3284

Walk / Run / TrackAbbotsford Gaiters Running Club ...................................... Judy 604-852-4870Deerfoot Athletic Club ..................................................Dorothy 604-504-1616Valley Royals Track & Field Club .........................................Gerry 604-859-9801

Water SportsFraser Valley Rowing Club ..............................................Kirstine 604-858-3449Fraser Valley Water Ski Club ............................................. Corey 604-807-8423

67www.abbotsford.ca/prc COMMUNITY DIRECTORY