Originally part of the Point Grey Municipality before the city was amalgamated in 1929, this park was first established in 1926 through a money bylaw. The name was decided upon through a community competition and is in commemoration of Sir James Douglas, first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia. Before being designated a park, this area was a logging camp in the 1870s and was later a grazing site for elk. In 1882 the acreage became the site for the first market garden south of False Creek.

In December of 1964 a local improvement money bylaw was passed allowing construction of a new $100,000 recreation facility at the park which has evolved, over many decades, into Douglas Park Community Centre.

Located near the centre of Douglas Park's tree-lined 13 acres, the community centre offers a wide range of programs for all ages but with a strong focus on preschool and school age activities. New programming for youth has resulted in a featured skateboard activity along with expanded offerings for seniors and people with disabilities. A half gymnasium, popular exercise room and numerous activity rooms round out this facility's jam-packed recreational agenda.

President's Message

It is almost springtime and I saw snow drops blooming this morning. I would like to address two items in this spring message.

First of all, I want to talk about the running track.

It was brought to our attention last November as to just how much it had deteriorated. We were very fortunate to have the Park Board staff and especially Diane Murphy, who looked at the condition of the track. They agreed to resurface the track immediately. The staff has worked very diligently at getting the resurfacing completed and the track has been returned to its original condition. We were gratified that the covering used on the track was the best material available.

We need to thank the Park Board staff for their hard work even in the snow and the rain.

If you have any concern about the track, please call me personally at 604.874.2605.

Secondly, we are still having meetings with the Park Board regarding a new Joint Operating Agreement (JOA). The city has reduced the Park Board budget and these reductions are being filtered back to us, at the Community level. We try to spend our revenues within our Douglas Park Community and this has become a very real challenge.

Thanks to all of our volunteers for their time and effort. We are a great community and I really want to thank all of our great staff for their support, encouragement and enthusiasm.

Please feel free to call the office at 604.257.8130 if you have any program ideas. We are always on the "look out" for new programs. Thank you to all of the Community for their continued support.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Saben
President DPCA