News About White Rock 'report card' per se and a celebration of sorts.

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2012 City of White Rock Celebrates the Completion of Major Recreational Infrastructure Upgrades White Rock, B.C. - Join South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale MP Russ Hiebert, White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin, and members of Council on January 24, 2012 to celebrate the completion of over 20 recreational infrastructure upgrades across the City of White Rock. These upgrades were made possible with the support of the Government of Canada through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Date/Time: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. Event: Peace Arch Elementary Park, Centennial Park and White Rock Promenade Opening Location: Promenade Park viewing deck, Marine Drive at Oxford Street, White Rock, B.C. Note: In case of inclement weather, this event will be combined with the indoor event below. Date/Time: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. Event: Centennial Park Leisure Centre and Kent Street Activity Centre Opening Location: Kent Street Activity Centre, 1475 Kent Street, White Rock, B.C. “I am proud that our Government has delivered on these important projects in White Rock,” said South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale MP Hiebert, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “These investments will offer improved recreational facilities which are now more accessible to area residents of all ages.” “These improvements have made our community centres and parks more inclusive and accessible,” said Mayor Wayne Baldwin. “As a result, we expect increased usage and a positive impact on the health and wellness of our residents.” Peace Arch Elementary Park and Centennial Park At Peace Arch Elementary Park and Centennial Park, upgrades were made to field facilities and infrastructure. Improvements included baseball fences that provide protection for both players and spectators, running track improvements, new bleachers and a new restroom at Peace Arch Elementary Park. The washroom upgrades at Centennial Park have increased accessibility, providing easy access to persons with disabilities and improved access for families with a new family washroom.   White Rock Promenade The Promenade upgrades included revitalized walking trails, improvements to the two washrooms, the pier and revitalized walkways to improve the connection between the city’s Town Centre and Promenade. The washrooms on Balsam Street and Oxford Street were in significant need of repair. Through these upgrades, two family washrooms were added, the number of toilets increased, three outdoor foot showers were added, and hygiene improvements were made. Improvements to the washrooms have increased accessibility, providing easy access to people who are less mobile, while making better use of the space. The previously unused rooftop of the Oxford washroom is now accessible to the public as a viewing area. The new design of the Balsam washroom allows for half of the facility to be closed during the winter months when usage is lower which provides savings in maintenance, staffing and overhead costs. Centennial Park Leisure Centre and Kent Street Activity Centre In 2011, major renovations were made to two community centres. At Centennial Park Leisure Centre this included upgrades and improvements to the ramp entrance, flooring, doors, paint, signage, telephone systems, and a fibre optic connection to City Hall. At Kent Street Activity Centre, a much needed elevator was installed, along with upgrades to the centre’s roof; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC); signage; and flooring. These improvements will be enjoyed by participants involved in the over 800 instructional programs offered at the facilities by White Rock Leisure Services. -30- For more information contact: Sandra Kurylo Acting City Manager City of White Rock Tel: 604.541.2111 Email: skurylo@whiterockcity.ca Jaime Burke Regional Communications Manager Western Economic Diversification Canada Vancouver, British Columbia Tel: 604-666-1318