The Township of Langley is planning to create a new urban public park atop the recently completed Jericho drinking water reservoir in the Smith neighbourhood of Willoughby, transforming critical infrastructure into a destination for community recreation and social gathering.
The planned Smith Reservoir Park will convert the concrete roof deck and surrounding landscape of the water distribution facility at 20400 73A Ave. into a permanent public space.
This project is a partnership between the Township of Langley and Metro Vancouver Regional District, and is intended to help meet the public space needs of a rapidly growing residential neighbourhood.
Historically, the surrounding area was largely rural in character, defined by spacious single-family properties and undeveloped land. Over time, those parcels are expected to follow the trajectory of nearby development, transitioning to a denser mix of housing that includes compact single-family homes, townhouses, rowhouses, and low-rise, multi-family condominium buildings.
The regional district completed Jericho reservoir in 2022 to support the increasing drinking water demands of new neighbourhood-sized developments, while also designing the structure to enable its future transformation into a multi-use public amenity.
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Google Maps)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Google Maps)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Google Maps)
2021 construction progress on Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Graestone)
This above-ground reservoir’s main purpose is to store treated drinking water and help maintain reliable water pressure and supply. Within its two tanks, also referred to as cells, it has a capacity to hold 20.6 million litres of water — equivalent to over eight Olympic-size swimming pools.
The concrete lid that forms the roof of the massive tanks was designed to carry the weight of additional amenities, fixtures, and equipment, as well as crowds of people during community events and other gatherings. The rooftop area is roughly one acre in size.
Preliminary concept plans for the rooftop park include a mix of features such as food and beverage vendors in repurposed shipping containers, a mini golf course, cornhole courts, a “sea monster” themed playground, and a new game concept described as lawn bowling billiards.
A walking loop would connect the amenities and wind through a variety of seating areas, offering visitors flexible spaces to gather, relax, and socialize. Conceptual artistic renderings created in Fall 2025 also show nighttime lighting to extend the space’s opening hours.
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
A glass enclosure railing has already been partly installed around the rooftop perimeter in preparation for the future park.
During a public meeting in mid-December 2025, Langley Township Council directed Township staff to explore options to improve the park’s accessibility for people with mobility challenges, and the potential for greater year-round accessibility and more family-friendly activities.
Once completed, Smith Reservoir Park is expected to provide a one-of-a-kind public space that reflects Langley Township’s approach to maximizing community benefit from critical infrastructure while supporting neighbourhood livability.
The park project is anticipated to be included in the municipal government’s 2026-2030 capital plan. No firm timeline has been set for the construction and completion of the rooftop park.
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
Fall 2025 concept of Smith Reservoir Park. (Township of Langley)
The 2022-completed Jericho reservoir project was designed by Vancouver-based firm Local Practice Architecture & Design — with other design and engineering contributions by Ratio Architecture, Ausenco, Associated Engineering, and Lanarc — and is located on a perched water table within the Nicomekl watershed. North America Construction was the main contractor.
According to the architects, the design reflects how water naturally flows and collects on the site, while also showing how it is stored and managed through engineered systems.
The reservoir’s current and future park design serves an educational role, helping visitors understand the importance of water infrastructure in everyday life.
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Local Practice Architecture & Design)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Ausenco)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (North America Construction)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (North America Construction)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Local Practice Architecture & Design)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Local Practice Architecture & Design)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Local Practice Architecture & Design)
To reduce the visual impact of the large concrete structure, which has a height almost equivalent to a three-storey building, the design breaks down its mass through image-printed concrete, varied textures, articulated surfaces, and sloped walls.
Water itself is used as a design feature, with exposed channels, rain gardens, and integrated elements that manage stormwater. Access around the site — using stairs, ramps, and places to stop and gather — has been planned to help visitors understand how water moves through the area, turning the reservoir into a recognizable neighbourhood feature.
The regional district has a number of drinking water reservoirs situated within urban areas, with one of the most notable reservoirs located atop Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park — directly below Little Mountain’s hilltop surface vehicle parking lot and dancing fountain feature.
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (North America Construction)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (North America Construction)
2022-built Jericho reservoir, future site of the rooftop Smith Reservoir Park. (Ausenco)