Course:GEOG350/2024/Parks in Vancouver

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Introduction

The chapter will focus on the progression of the urban parks of Vancouver in the aspect of the city’s urban planning approach. With rising concerns about climate change and urgency in sustainable practices, urban parks in Vancouver represent the ever-changing needs of the city, striving for greener and low-carbon urban solutions. To provide a broadened understanding of the roles of urban parks in Vancouver, this research aims to unravel the significance and evolution of urban parks within the local context. Through thorough research of the city’s planning various strategies (e.g: VanPlay, Greenest City Action Plan) and urban park management plans (e.g: Park Board Report, Stanley Park Forest Management Plan), this analysis aims to present a well-rounded insight into the development of urban parks from a historical, economic, ecological and social perspective. Vancouver is home to both large parks like Stanely Park, Pacific Spirit Park and Queen Elizabeth Park, as well as smaller parks scattered throughout the urban fabric; some no bigger than a single lot. These varied park spaces demonstrate the evolving landscape of the city, reflecting the politics of majority voters and shifting interests to more environmentally conscious decisions in planning and park management. Besides serving as an example of the city’s sustainable planning approach, the ecological functions provided by urban parks are also prevalent in aspects of urban forest and wildlife management, sustaining local biodiversity and habitats.

Overview of focus

The culture of urban parks falls under the ideals of “Vancouverism,” an urban planning philosophy that emphasizes the sustainability and livability of a city to better utilize and cultivate one’s spatial experience in Vancouver. [1] Urban parks in Vancouver bear a variety of functions (e.g., ecological, social, economic, etc.) in the city’s regional development—the epitome of the intersectionality of place-making and one’s lived experiences. The characteristics of Vancouver’s urban parks serve as a unique mix of urban and rural, allowing both economic and leisure opportunities. [2] Hence, a thorough analysis of urban parks in Vancouver can help understand the evolution of the city’s sustainable planning and management, reflecting the city’s goals in achieving environmental justice. Fulfilling the needs of the public and addressing climate change, urban parks also act as the genesis of designing a greener city along with the city’s strategic plans. [2]

In addition, the city bears a long history of prioritizing access to urban parks and introducing green spaces to local neighborhoods. [3] The Plan for the City of Vancouver of 1928, and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation Master Plan of 1982 are both prime historical examples of the utilization of urban parks (“VanPlay: Vancouver’s Parks and Recreation Services Master Plan”). [3] Accompanied by recent urban park planning strategies such as “VanPlay” and the “Greenest City Action Plan,” the presence of urban parks has demonstrated great significance in shaping the urban experiences of local parks for communities.  According to the “Greenest City Action Plan,” the city strives to build and upgrade existing parks and greenways by planting more trees to improve the quantity and quality of green spaces. [4]Likewise, the scope of this research mainly covers the local context of urban parks in Vancouver in the aspect of urban planning and design, focusing on the historical, ecological, and social development of urban parks in Vancouver. Local parks such as Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Arbutus Greenway Park reveal the changing urban fabric, witnessing the communal growth and development of recreation within one’s neighborhood. [5]

Urban Parks in Vancouver & Classification

The mountainous coastal landscape and its evergreen forests that surround Vancouver have come to define the city’s global image. These natural features adjacent to the city’s ever-growing built environment have become keystones to Vancouver’s identity and thus, the local government has worked to protect and preserve park space for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors as well as to uphold the identity of a green city.  

However, the increase in land values results from urban growth, causing “competition between land users” and “demarcation of land” for urban parks. [2] With policymakers and stakeholders’ failure to assess the true value of urban parks, the investment cost of sustainable park management is limited. [2]Hence, the preservation and betterment of urban parks in Vancouver are one of the top priorities in the city’s recent urban planning scheme (e.g.: VanPlay, Greenest City Action Plan). According to the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation manages a variety of communal spaces: 250 parks, 24 community centers with swimming pools, arenas, playing fields, 3 championship golf courses and destination gardens. [3]

Additionally, a park classification system was developed better to understand the common park types and quality of amenities. [3]  Based on the inventory and analysis report from VanPlay, the Park Board had two park classifications: neighborhood and destination. [3] However, a five-tiered park classification was devised to provide a clearer and more precise description of Vancouver's urban parks. [3] The following bullet points will include the descriptions of the five park types: 

  • Destination
    • Destination parks are the largest in size (>20 ha) compared to all park types, having a high number of amenities (>15) for events, concerts or weddings. [3]These parks attract tourists both nationally and internationally as well as locals, which were maintained at an optimal level to meet “user expectations” and ensure suitable spaces for programming. [3]Vancouver has 5 destination parks, including the infamous Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and Hastings Park.[3]
  • Community
    • Community parks are the second largest in size (< 20 ha) which also have a high number of amenities (6-15) like sports hubs or beach parks, attracting residents across the city. [3]There are 101 community parks in Vancouver, including John Hendry Park and English Bay Beach Park.[3]
  • Neighborhood
    • Local parks are the second smallest in size (< 2.5 ha), averaging about 0.54 ha and have a small number of amenities (< 4). [3]Like neighborhood parks, local parks attract local neighborhood residents as well. The 63 local parks include Ash Park and Foster Park in Vancouver. [3] 
  • Urban Plaza
    • Unlike the parks above, urban plazas are the smallest in size (< 0.4 ha) and also have a small number of amenities (< 3).[3]  There are 9 urban plazas in Vancouver, which are in areas with a high-time population.[3] Daytime users are the main occupants of urban plazas. [3]

The above park classification table is useful in determining the allocation of resources and services for parks in Vancouver.[3] It is also helpful in identifying the appropriate needs of different park types and locating the service gaps that exist within the parks of the city.[3] Besides parks, beaches, waterfronts, and sports hubs are also categorized as subclassifications for parks.[3]

Precedents

Stanley Park

Established 1887, Stanley Park was named in the honor of Lord Stanley, governor general of Canada from the late 1880s to early 1890s. [5] Stanley Park is Vancouver's first city park, and one of the largest urban parks in the nation. [6]The park is situated on the traditional territories of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh people, also known as the Coast Salish First Nations. [6] Stanley Park has a wide range of biodiversity, home to one of the largest urban blue heron habitats in North America. [7] It is also one of the largest natural areas, having one of the higher percentages of canopy covers across Vancouver. [8]

Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park is a 52 hectare urban park developed located in central south Vancouver in 1930.[9] Different to Stanley Park, it is characterized by greater levels of human cultivation including the choices in planting, a golf course, restaurant, and the Bloedel Conservatory; an indoor tropical garden. Sitting 125 metres above sea level, it is the high point of Vancouver-proper, with visitors coming to take in unimpeded views of the downtown skyline set against the north shore mountains. [10]

Case Study of the issue

A detailed case study of the issue/focus (1500 words)

  • Why is this issue/focus specifically relevant in Vancouver? I suggest dividing into sections based on your chosen theme and focus. Suggestions:
  • Problems/situations/solutions experienced by the urban population as related to the issue/focus
  • How is the urban population of Vancouver directly or indirectly affected by the selected issue/focus?
  • Evidence of this

Governance & Planning

The above image illustrates the four main maintenance districts of Vancouver (Stanley, North, South, West).

Today, Vancouver's parks are managed by an elected group called the Vancouver Parks Board, a separate governance from the city's council elect. According to their website, the goals of the current board include ambitions: expanding the parks in Vancouver, protecting existing park assets; and restoring wild spaces. Core to these goals is the management of urban forests and wildlife, and the construction and maintenance of park infrastructure such as trails, fences, bathrooms, signage, and the like.

Each year, the Park Board manages hundreds of urban parklands and recreational facilities with an operation budget of $36M with $5.51M for the urban forestry sector and $2.6M for golf courses. [3] To utilize operating budgets, the city is divided into various maintenance districts for optimal services and operational efficiency. [3]According to the city, these districts ought to “minimize travel time to and from” the service yards. [3] The four main districts include Stanley (downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park), North (Northeast of Vancouver), West (West of Vancouver) and South (South of Vancouver). [3] Unlike most urban parks in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park or VanDusen aren’t part of said districts due to the parks’ unique plant types and maintenance requirements. [3]

VanPlay: Vancouver’s Parks and Recreation Services Master Plan

Launched in 2020, VanPlay is a master plan by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to prioritize the “pursuit of equity, connectivity, and access” to parks and recreation. [11]Striving to connect people to green spaces, active living, and community, the framework aims to guide the future planning and growth of parks, recreational spaces, and related facilities for the next 50 years. [11] Four reports (Inventory and Analysis, 10 Goals to Shape the Next 25 Years, Strategic Bold Moves and the Playbook: Implementation Plan) of the masterplan are conducted to provide a future vision for the development of sustainable urban parks for city users. [11] From the foundational research of urban parks to the potential initiatives, a series of analyses and strategies are carried out in these reports. [11]

Diagram showing the main objectives of VanPlay Masterplan: equity, connectivity, accessibility of parks. [12]
  1. Inventory and Analysis—The report contains a well-rounded overview of the current status of urban parks in Vancouver. [13] It also provides an assessment of park inventories, focusing on the social, recreational and ecological experiences of urban parks and related green spaces. [13]
  2. 10 Goals to Shape the Next 25 Years—The report shares the draft goals and related aspirational statements, envisioning the future of equitable, accessible and inclusive parks. [14]For instance, grow and renew assets, protect existing parks and spaces, prioritize delivery of resources and more. [14]
  3. Strategic Bold Moves—The report contains the three main cores of VanPlay: equity, connectivity and accessibility of parks. [15] An outline of potential strategies is included to ensure equal distribution of park assets and resources to the user, enabling greater accessibility to green spaces in Vancouver. [15]
  4. Playbook: Implementation Plan—The report outlines the plan for implementing and operating the Bold Move strategies and the draft goals over the next decade. [16] Through reconciliation efforts and partnerships with the community, the plan strives to integrate the ideals and objectives of VanPlay in future urban parks and neighborhoods. [16]

Forest Management

A significant aspect of park management, urban forestry, is described simply as the management of trees in cities.[17] This definition describes planting, felling, trimming, and moving everything from an individual street tree to altering and maintaining the massive stands contained within parks. Jorgensen describes the practice of cultivating urban forests as being to the physiological, sociological and economic well-being of urban society.[18] In the case of Vancouver, city-employed arborists manage both street trees and those found in parks, and the city's website states Vancouver has over 140,000 that it takes care of.[19] The database suggests that the street trees lining city blocks as well as those in many smaller parks include native trees alongside several imported species including Japanese cherry trees, purple beech, and Crimean linden. Meanwhile, the forests in destination-size parks are made up of primarily native species including vine maple, birch, hemlock, Douglas fir, and red and yellow cedar.

The differences in types of growth in these various green spaces reflects a distinction made between wild flora and cultivated plants. Wild flora represents unwanted growth potentially beyond human control, while cultivated growth are chosen specifically for their easy to manage nature.[20] In recent years, arguments for native planting have grown in popularity alongside increasing disdain for so-called invasive species which can out-compete their native counterparts for photosynthetic resources. Municipalities of Metro Vancouver are actively taking measures to remove and prevent the occurrence of invasive plants in green spaces. These species, some examples being the Himalayan blackberry, scotch broom, and Canada thistle, are generally considered harmful to the healthy biodiversity of urban green space.[21] Oddly these invasive species occur more frequently in the liminal, natural areas distributed throughout wealthier neighborhoods, whereas invasive species that encroach on park spaces are swiftly dealt with.[22]

Urban ecologist Matthew Gandy notes that the urban wasteland, defined as the city’s unmanaged natural spaces, is where biodiversity truly thrives. All parks, including Vancouver’s largest, have relatively shallow biodiversity by comparison given the strict controls under which they are maintained.[23] While biodiversity is a goal of Vancouver’s parks management, it happens under conditions suitable to human needs first. This example is just one of a few demonstrating how the management of urban forests is as staunchly regulated as the surrounding urban landscape.

Wildlife Management

Animals are another key element of park management in Vancouver. Attitudes towards urban animals have shifted over the last century, and the presence them in parks has represented both ideal views of wildlife from a distance, alongside closer encounters with creatures that might call the city home as much as any human might. [24]The city's website discriminates between what they call wildlife (500 species of birds, and 140 species of mammals, alongside reptiles, amphibians and fish) and "problem" animals. Pigeons, starlings, rabbits, rats and squirrels are listed as potential nuisance to urban folk. [25] Additionally, recent years have seen animals not welcome encroaching on Vancouver, with bears and coyotes taking up residence in the city's parks leaving to hunt and scavenge for food. [26] Because parks are seen as the location of wildlife in the city, it often falls to the parks board, alongside animal control, to manage the increasing number of incidents taking place between humans and wildlife. For instance, road-kills, and bird collisions with windows, predation from cats. [7]Similarly, threats such as invasive species, natural disasters, pollution and climate change can have a detrimental change on the city’s existing ecosystems and wildlife. [7]

Hence, the city strives to restore and enhance the natural areas across Vancouver, while also expanding and connecting the existing urban parks as well as green spaces. [7] Natural areas refer to ecological landscapes like forests, wetlands, and streams that are mainly comprised of native plants and animals.[7] Destination parks like Stanley Park, Trout Lake and wetlands in Jericho Beach Park are natural areas.[7] On a smaller scale, pollinator meadows and rain gardens are some examples of urban natural areas in the city. [7]In addition, natural areas are crucial in measuring the biodiversity value, allowing the creation or restoration of the region’s existing ecological network.[7] Being great indicators of wildlife, the protection of natural areas can monitor and examine the changes in species and habitats. [7]

Likewise, the nature report of VanPlay also outlines the initiatives in re-introducing nature within the urban context. [8] For instance, implementing stewardship programs with the community to raise public awareness, volunteerism and care for the natural environments of the city.[8] Removing invasive species, picking up litter, planting trees, and installing or maintaining birdhouses are some examples of environmental stewardship efforts.[8] The integration of arts and culture in nature is also highly emphasized in the frameworks of VanPlay, aiming to incorporate performance spaces in green spaces or forests and collaborating with Indigenous communities to promote creative activities in the wild (e.g.: weaving, papermaking, dying etc.).[8] 

Public Usage

A review by the Fraser Institute stated that in 2019, municipalities of Metro Vancouver spent 17.3% of public money on parks and recreation; the third highest spending category after protective services and waste management. This category covers much more than parks however, and includes categories such as beaches, playing fields, golf courses, ski areas, public squares, swimming pools, skating rinks, curling rinks, gymnasiums, racquet courts, exercise areas, libraries, galleries, museums, community halls, performing arts theatres and heritage conservation programs.[27] In the municipality of Vancouver, this equates to roughly $67 per person.[28]

The consensus of scientific research and statistics on park engagement suggests that access to green spaces benefits human health and well-being. Specifically identified were benefits to the low-income community, children, mothers-to-be and senior citizens.[29] Considering these groups are the least likely to own private green spaces, it's no surprise that public parks impact them so significantly. At the same time, proximity to parks has a positive influence on property value, biodiversity, air quality, water management and social cohesion. The robust spending by Vancouver to maintain and grow these park infrastructures for public use reflects a basic understanding of these relationships. However, different groups of people perceive and use green spaces differently depending on characteristics like age and cultural background, alongside more nuanced traits like understanding of and frequency of exposure to nature.[16] One major factor in the public experience of these places is accessibility. A decade-long effort that stretched from 2010-20, Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan, made it a public planning objective to situate all households within a 15-minute walk of any green space.[30]

This data is based on the experience of an average person and does not account for the nuanced definition of accessibility in its spatial calculation of walking distance. Many in Metro Vancouver face barriers when it comes to accessing green space, including both physical and temporal barriers such as walls, fences, dangerous roads, lengthy public transit rides or access to vehicles. Ethnic minorities and the low-income population are two groups that benefit the most from public green space, yet face the largest number of hurdles in accessing them.[16] Despite these disparities, parks remain a valuable component of Vancouver’s urban landscape. When surveyed, park goers identified several benefits they believe their neighborhood green spaces provided; listed are the twelve most remarked upon features: recreation, connection to nature, fresh air, aesthetics, dog recreation, relaxation, peace, exercise, education, tourism and employment.[9]

Lesson Learned

  • One of the most fascinating learning moments for me in this project was getting a better insight into how urban parks fit into the combination of private and public space in Vancouver. As public spaces, urban parks provide opportunities for greater social cohesion between groups of different backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. It's unfortunate to think that accessibility to these parks is limited based on the high cost of living. For example if an individual has to work full-time in Vancouver to pay rent for an apartment in Coquitlam, I wonder how often they might prioritize spending time in Stanley Park or Pacific Spirit. Increasing access to greenspace appears to be a significant goal of the Parks Board, and they demonstrate significant transparency with how and why they spend the public’s money. I would imagine for frequent park visitors, whether its regulars at a local medium size urban park or one of the larger destination parks, they don’t experience problems with accessing any of Vancouver’s greenspace. However I think that if somehow Vancouver’s parks become a truly public meeting place for citizens of all types, the social cohesion spoken about in academic research means that funding urban parks, and enhancing the public's access to them is most certainly a positive and worthwhile endeavour. - Andrew H.
  • Furthermore, understanding the inner workings and policy-making of urban parks can also provide a better vision in place-making. With the knowledge of the ecological aspects of the city, city-makers and stakeholders can better visualize the importance and services of green spaces. From this analysis, it is proven that managing ecological spaces or urban parks in Vancouver requires layers of complexity. A high degree of management and partnerships is crucial in implementing future initiatives. Through investigating these new urban planning strategies published by the city, these frameworks seem to provide and accommodate the needs of Vancouver citizens and communities while preserving valuable natural, and ecological assets of British Columbia. With spatial data and reports provided by the city, these numeral resources have become quite helpful in our research. Although these frameworks seem promising, the limitation still lies. Can these “VanPlay” strategies or similar systems be implemented in areas outside of Vancouver? Will these frameworks differ depending on the site context? Likewise, from the lecture week on ecological urbanism, some citizens face environmental racism which limits their access to green spaces and their benefits, especially Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Thus, I believe the city’s Biodiversity Strategies and VanPlay frameworks can truly address these problems in the community. It is a positive step in achieving environmental justice and sustainability for the city, shaping greener, resilient urban spaces for users. -Sharon N.

References

  1. ↑ Beasley, Larry (2019). Vancouverism. Vancouver, British Columbia: On Point Press. pp. 37–39. Lay summary.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Takyi, Stephen Appiah; Seidel, Andrew D (16 February 2017). "Adaptive management in sustainable park planning and management: case study of the city of Vancouver Parks". Journal of Urban Ecology. 3. doi:10.1093/jue/juw009 – via Oxford Article.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 "VanPlay: Inventory and Analysis" (PDF). https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/report-1-inventory-and-analysis.aspx. Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. July 2018. Lay summary (PDF). External link in |website= (help)
  4. ↑ "Greenest City Action Plan". City of Vancouver. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Parks of Vancouver (PDF). Vancouver, British Columbia: The Boards of Parks and Recreation (published August 1972). 1972.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Kheraj, Sean (8 June 2017). "Stanley Park". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 "Biodiversity Strategy" (PDF). City of Vancouver. Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. January 2016. Lay summary.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "VanPlay: Inventory and Analysis-Nature" (PDF). City of Vancouver. Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. July 2018. Lay summary.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Takyi, Stephen Appiah; Siedel, Andrew; Adjei, Jones Kwaku (2018). "Relationship between the Demographic Characteristics of Park Users and Intensity of Park Use: The Case of Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park". The Journal of Public Space. 3: 51.
  10. ↑ City of Vancouver (n.d). "Queen Elizabeth Park". Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "VanPlay: Vancouver's Parks and Recreation Services Master Plan". City of Vancouver. 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  12. ↑ City of Vancouver https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/vanplay-parks-and-recreation-strategy.aspx. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "VanPlay: Inventory and Analysis". City of Vancouver. 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "10 Goals to Shape the Next 25 Years". City of Vancouver. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Strategic Bold Moves". City of Vancouver. 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 "The Playbook: Implementation Plan". City of Vancouver. 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":6" defined multiple times with different content
  17. ↑ Konijnendijk, Cecil C; Ricard, Robert M.; Kenney, Andy; Randrup, Thomas B. (2006). "Defining Urban Forestry – A Comparative Perspective of North America and Europe". Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 4: 97.
  18. ↑ Jorgensen, Erik (1993). "The history of urban forestry in Canada". Proceedings of the First Canadian Urban Forests Conference, May 30-June 2, 1993.: 15.
  19. ↑ City of Vancouver (n.d). "City Trees". Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ↑ Gandy, Matthew (2022). Natura Urbana. Cambridge: MIT Press. pp. 92–93.
  21. ↑ Mollot, Grégory; Pantel, J.H.; Romanuk, T.N. (2017). "The Effects of Invasive Species on the Decline in Species Richness: A Global Meta-Analysis". Networks of Invasion: A Synthesis of Concepts. 56: 56.
  22. ↑ Nguyen, Nguyet-Anh; Eskelson, Bianca N.I.; Gergel, Sarah E.; Murray, Tasha (2021). "The Occurrence of Invasive Plant Species Differed significantly Across Three Urban Greenspace Types of Metro Vancouver, Canada". Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 59: 5.
  23. ↑ Gandy, Matthew (2022). Natura Urbana. Cambridge: MIT Press. p. 96.
  24. ↑ Wolch, Jennifer (2018). Historical Animal Geographies. London, United Kingdom: Routledge. pp. 53–72. doi:10.4324/9781315204208-5.
  25. ↑ "Wildlife". City of Vancouver. 2024.
  26. ↑ "Reports of aggressive coyotes prompt warning to keep pets away from Vancouver park". CBC. 17 April 2023.
  27. ↑ The Fraser Institute (September 8, 2022.). "What Are the Top Spending Categories for Metro Vancouver". Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ↑ Canadian City Parks Report (2022). "Vancouver, 2022".
  29. ↑ World Health Organization (November 21, 2016). "Urban Green Space and Health: Intervention Impacts and Effectiveness" (PDF).
  30. ↑ City of Vancouver (2010–20). "Greenest City Action Plan".CS1 maint: date format (link)
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