Surrey, feds invest $27.5M in two Newton parks

Published 10:00 am Thursday, July 23, 2026

Two Newton parks are earmarked for $27.5 million in improvements, with $11 million from the federal government and $16.5 million from city hall.

Surrey-Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal and Mayor Brenda Locke announced this July 22 at Newton Athletic Park, which will benefit from the investment along with Unwin Park.

Newton Athletic Park will see a new artificial turf field, “energy-efficient” lighting around the walking track, and new lighted tennis courts while Unwin Park’s enhancements will be a covered multi-sport court, a new fieldhouse with washrooms and change rooms, a “youth amenity zone,” new pickleball, basketball and tennis courts, a pump/bike track, a new washroom at the north end, an off-leash area for dogs, more paths, more parking, and better park entry spots.

“These investments will create more opportunities for families, children, seniors and local sports organizations,” Dhaliwal said, “to enjoy quality recreational spaces close to home. This investment reflects what we can achieve when the federal government and the local governments work together with a shared commitment to building stronger communities.”

Locke thanked Dhaliwal for the federal government’s support. “Our relationship with the federal government just could not be stronger,” she said. “We are so very grateful for that partnership.”

“I always like to say that parks are the great equalizer. They are there for everyone; for every age, every culture, every demographic, for every citizen and every neighbourhood,” Locke said. “Parks are where neighbours become friends, where families gather, where communities build pride and where life-long memories are made with families.”

Laurie Cavan, Surrey’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture, said design and development for the artificial turf will get underway right away. “So we expect that to be delivered within 20 months we hope and all the other investments will follow as well so in the Unwin Park projects we’ve done our community consultation so we’ll be moving in design and delivery of those amenities.

“So we hope to move those forward within the next 24 months,” Cavan said. “As soon as we possibly can.”