Burnaby’s Green Heart, Right Next to Metrotown
Central Park covers roughly 86 hectares (about 212 acres) of forested land in the middle of Burnaby, wedged between Kingsway, Boundary Road, Patterson Avenue and Imperial Street. Douglas fir, cedar and vine maple close in over the trails within a few steps of the entrance, and the noise from the surrounding streets fades quickly once the canopy takes over.
What makes the park unusual is how much fits inside it. Two ponds, a stadium, a pitch and putt course, tennis courts, a free outdoor fitness circuit, playgrounds, picnic grounds and several kilometres of trails all sit within a short walk of the Patterson SkyTrain station. Central Park is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year, and there is no fee to enter.
A Look Around Central Park
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⤢Quick Info
Two Ponds at the Centre of the Park
Central Park is built around two connected ponds, the Upper Pond near Boundary Road and the Lower Pond a short walk further along the Trail of Hope. Ducks and geese are around most days, and it is common to see turtles sunning themselves on logs or fish moving near the surface in warmer weather. Bald eagles and owls show up in the taller trees from time to time, so it is worth a slow look upward as well as down at the water.
On calmer weekend mornings, it is not unusual to see local hobbyists sailing small radio-controlled boats across one of the ponds, a low-key tradition that has stuck around the park for years.
An 18-Hole Pitch and Putt for Every Skill Level
Tucked among the evergreens on the southeast side of the park off Imperial Street, the Central Park Pitch and Putt is an 18-hole, par-54 course built entirely around short par-3 holes. Distances run from about 50 yards on the shortest hole up to roughly 130 yards on the longest, with most holes averaging around 85 yards. There is almost nothing in the way of sand traps or water hazards, apart from a small pond near the 18th green, which keeps the round approachable for beginners while still giving stronger golfers something to aim at on their short game.
Clubs and equipment can be rented on site, so first-timers do not need to bring anything. Children under 5 are not permitted on the course, kids aged 5 to 7 need to complete a Burnaby Golf Academy program first, and anyone aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied by an adult while playing.
Squirrels, Birds and Other Regulars
Squirrels are everywhere in Central Park, and years of foot traffic have made them noticeably comfortable around people. Beyond the squirrels, the tree cover supports a steady population of songbirds, and the ponds bring in ducks, geese and the occasional heron. Bald eagles and owls are seen often enough that regular visitors tend to know roughly where to look for them.
Trails, Loops and a Free Outdoor Gym
Central Park has close to 8.5 kilometres of trails in total, spread across a few distinct routes. The Trail of Hope is a roughly 2.5 to 3 kilometre loop that circles the Upper Pond and stretches out to the Lower Pond through forested ground, and it is also where the park’s outdoor fitness circuit is set up. The Terry Fox Trail is a 5 kilometre loop popular with runners and walkers, and it hosts Burnaby’s annual Terry Fox Run every September. The Central Park Perimeter Trail, completed in three sections along Boundary Road, Patterson Avenue and Imperial Street, gives the park a smooth, wide route that works well for strollers, wheelchairs and anyone who wants a flatter walk.
The Free Outdoor Fitness Circuit
Set right along the Trail of Hope, Central Park’s outdoor fitness circuit is a series of 12 exercise stations installed by the City of Burnaby. It is free to use, open to the public with no booking required, and built around four general focus areas.
Swangard Stadium, Sports Fields and Community Life
Swangard Stadium sits in the northwest corner of the park and has been one of the region’s main athletic venues for decades. It was once the home ground of the Vancouver Whitecaps before the club moved to BC Place, and it still hosts community sports and public events through the year, including Canada Day celebrations.
The rest of the park’s sports facilities spread out from there: 12 tennis courts off Patterson Avenue, a lawn bowling green off Kingsway near Inman Avenue, 16 horseshoe pitches east of the outdoor pool, and a volleyball court between the Swangard parking lot and the picnic area. The outdoor pool itself is a 50 metre, six lane facility kept around 28°C, open through the summer with a diving board and change rooms. Variety Park playground, near the picnic grounds by the stadium, includes a spray park for warmer days, and a second playground sits off Boundary Road near the pool.
Gardens, Picnics and Quiet Corners
Away from the stadium and sports fields, Central Park has plenty of quieter ground. Two large picnic areas, one near Variety Park playground and one beside the Upper Pond close to Boundary Road, both have water taps and can be booked ahead for larger groups. Between the trails, small garden beds bring seasonal colour through spring and summer, and there are enough shaded benches scattered around the park to make a slow morning walk easy to stretch out.
Ten minutes off the SkyTrain, and the traffic noise from Kingsway has already faded behind the trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Entry to the park is free and it is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year. A few facilities inside the park, such as the pitch and putt course and the outdoor pool, charge their own separate fees.
Patterson SkyTrain Station on the Expo Line sits directly across from the park, and its west exit opens right onto Central Boulevard at the edge of the grounds.
Yes. The 12-station fitness circuit along the Trail of Hope was installed by the City of Burnaby and is open to the public at no cost, with no booking or membership needed.
Yes. The course is built entirely around shorter par-3 holes with very few hazards, and clubs and equipment can be rented on site, which makes it a comfortable starting point for new golfers and kids.
Yes, as long as they are kept on a leash, with any waste picked up right away.
Squirrels are the park’s most visible residents, along with ducks, geese and turtles around the two ponds. Bald eagles and owls turn up in the taller trees from time to time as well.
Yes. There are several parking lots around the park, off Boundary Road, Kingsway, Imperial Street and Patterson Avenue, including accessible stalls and EV charging.
Planning More Time in Burnaby?
Central Park is just one piece of Burnaby’s green space. See what else the city has to offer.
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