Working to preserve, improve, and increase parks and green space in Sooke

Sooke Parks Enhancement Program

The objective of this program is to spotlight Sooke parks, and encourage greater public use and appreciation of parks while increasing Sooke’s tree canopy to contribute to climate change adaptation and emission reductions.

There are over 80 designated parks in Sooke, many unknown and overlooked. We want to change this by beautifying our parks to make them feel more welcoming and by generating greater public interest and awareness of our parks.

We intend to spotlight several local parks each year. Our goal is to create a local buzz around each chosen park through park clean ups, events, and education in collaboration with nearby neighbourhoods, Sooke residents, and other not-for-profits. Our aim is to plant trees in each park that will be cared for by Friends of Sooke Parks volunteers.

If you are interested in getting involved or have ideas, we want you on our team!

Pineridge Park (August 2023-November 2023)

Objectives:

  • Coordinate park clean-up and FireSmart Initiative.

  • Plant 2-3 mature urban trees near the Rhodonite entrance.

  • Find and appoint Park Stewards to water the trees, maintain the park and bring forward ideas to increase park use and awareness.

  • Implement free programs for the public:

    • Spooky Pumpkin Walk - November 1, 2023

    • Pop-up Story Book Walk - November 10, 2023

    • Tree planting - November 2023

John Phillips Memorial Park (December 2023-February 2024)

Objectives:

  • Plant 10-12 mature urban trees along the north side pathway creating an interactive climate resiliency walk.

  • Find and appoint Park Stewards to water the trees, maintain the park and bring forward ideas to increase park use and awareness.

  • Implement free programs for the public:

    • Tree planting - November 22, 2023

    • Winter Solstice Lantern Walk - December 21, 2023

    • Pop-up Story Book Walk - January 2024 (Literacy Week)

    • Other ideas? Please send them to us!

Millennium Park (March 2024-May 2024)

Objectives:

  • Plant 3 mature urban trees near the Maple St. parking lot.

  • Find and appoint Park Stewards to water the trees, maintain the park and bring forward ideas to increase park use and awareness.

  • Implement free programs for the public:

Broom Hill Park (June 2024-August 2024)

Objectives:

  • Plant 5-7 mature urban trees near Pyrite St. and near the playground.

  • Find and appoint Park Stewards to water the trees, maintain the park and bring forward ideas to increase park use and awareness.

  • Implement free programs for the public: