Residents of New Westminster should grab their beach towels and get ready to soak up some sun. The city has decided to expand the timber wharf section of the Westminster Pier Park that opened in 2012, and add an urban beach. The beach will consist of asphalt covered with sand and umbrellas, with a wall separating the beach from the Fraser River.
In addition to the beach, beach goers will also be able to enjoy an outdoor fitness area, a sports activity space, and an off leash enclosure for dogs. New Westminster mayor Wayne Wright has said that the city is also looking to install new water features as well.
“The first time I ever saw an urban beach was in Paris, France,” says Coun. Lorrie Williams. “It was wildly popular.”
The estimated cost for the whole area is $298,000, with $23,000 for a public pathway, $100,000 for general landscaping, $95,000 for the urban beach, $78,100 for the fitness area, and $1,000 for the sports area. There will not be any access to the river, however, as there are safety concerns due to the river’s fast current.
Urban beaches are popular destinations in other cities such as Toronto, Paris, Prague, and Berlin.
Local residents are excited for the beach, and think it’s a great idea.
The beach will hopefully be finished just in time for this summer, and it will also be open to the public all year round.
Written by: Anna Ward
Image via CBC