Langley Township won two provincial awards of excellence from the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). The environmental leadership award was presented for the Langley Demonstration Garden, and Willoughby Community Park received a parks and open spaces award.
“These garden projects raise awareness and foster appreciation of the natural environment, while inspiring sustainability practices in the homes and gardens of Langley residents and others,” stated BCRPA CEO Suzanne Allard Strutt. “The Township of Langley has illustrated its dedication through the Langley Demonstration Garden and Community Garden projects.”
In the case of Willoughby Community Park, the Township first had to solve the issues of the park’s proximity to the Latimer Creek watershed and how to handle water runoff. Rather than create the usual detention pond , the Township went a step further to develop a landscape guideline for the pond utilizing native trees and shrubs.
This has not only increased the visual appeal of the park but also brought wildlife habitation back to the area. Rain gardens featuring native plants were created in the park plaza area and storm-water bioswales were incorporated into the parking lot designs. Both storm-water strategies recharge groundwater and slow down storm-water discharge from storm events.
The awards were presented at a BCRPA event on May 13.