Nicomekl Riverfront Park
Surrey, BC
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Role
Prime Consultant
Landscape Architect
Services
Landscape Architecture
Nature-based Design
Climate Resilience
Client
City of Surrey
Collaborators
Story Space
KWL
Modern Formline
Located in South Surrey, Nicomekl Riverfront Park will span 3km along one of Surrey’s major river systems, transforming 80 acres of land into a vibrant public park. When finished, the park will help connect Surrey’s green infrastructure system, trail network and blueways, providing residents with increased recreational opportunities, while enhancing wildlife habitat and helping the city adapt to climate change and sea level rise.
The park has been designed with a light touch approach to preserve and protect sensitive plants, wildlife, and habitat. Existing vegetation and water features will be maintained and enhanced and ground disturbance will be limited by minimizing digging and using low impact construction techniques.
Integrating Indigenous Coast Salish culture, history and stories is central to the park’s ethos. The park is located on the traditional unceded territories of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷa:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) Nations who have lived and connected with the land for more than 10,000 years. The design team includes artists from Semiahmoo and Kwantlen whose cultural work will create opportunities for reconnecting with the land and learning about the site’s environmental and cultural significance.
As it develops, Nicomekl Riverfront Park aims to set new standards for an ecologically and culturally significant park that connects people, habitat and history for generations to come.
Phase 1 of the park includes the Hadden Mill and Oxbow zones, which will make up about 30% of the overall park area.
New channels in the Oxbow zone will provide off-channel habitat for native ecological communities. Water levels will flucuate in the channels on a daily and seasonal basis.
A raised boardwalk through the Oxbow zone protects sensitive wetland habitat, while allowing park users to experience and observe nature.
A dike pathway in the Oxbow zone provides views across the Nicomekl River and beyond.
The Hadden Mill zone provides spaces for gathering, play, picnics and outdoor learning.
Throughout the site, native plantings will contribute to the ecological and cultural regeneration of the site. Plant selection is being informed through ongoing conversations with Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations.