��������

LANGLEY, B.C. — Metro Vancouver is creating a new regional park in south Langley.

The 44-hectare South Langley Regional Park will combine a recently purchased piece of private property with Langley’s Municipal Natural Park, states a release.

The new park will be a protected space for forests, wetlands, and riparian areas — including portions of the Little Campbell River and Kerfoot Creek. It includes equestrian and walking trails, and buffers the , which is managed by the township.

The vision for the park is that it will eventually be a linear “green necklace” surrounding the South Langley Regional Trail, which begins at Campbell Valley Regional Park, runs through and adjacent to South Langley Regional Park and connects with Aldergrove Regional Park. The park trail will have several natural and recreational nodes along the way, providing stopping points for visitors. It will also allow portions of the South Langley Regional Trail to be moved off road.

Starting next year, Metro Vancouver will develop a plan for the new property, which will involve engaging the public, stakeholders, and First Nations. Trails and facilities in the former municipal park will remain open to the public during concept development.

Metro Vancouver’s currently comprises 24 parks, five greenways, two ecological conservancy areas and two regional park reserves, spanning nearly 14,000 hectares in communities from Bowen Island in the west to Langley and Maple Ridge in the east.