Working to preserve, improve and increase parks and green space in Sooke
Sooke Parks Enhancement Program
The objective of this program is to beautify Sooke Parks, and encourage greater public use while increasing Sooke’s tree canopy to contribute to climate change adaptation and emission reductions.
There are over 80 designated parks in Sooke and we believe that many of them are underutilized. 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 received an $8,000 grant from the District of Sooke to spotlight four local parks including Pineridge Park, John Phillips Park, Millennium Park and Broom Hill Park between September 2023 and August 2024. Our goal is to create a local buzz around each chosen park through education and outreach while we work to beautify it through collaboration with local residents and other not-for-profits. As part of the beautification process, we will plant mature urban tree species in each park that will be planted and cared for by Friends of Sooke Parks Society volunteers.
Pineridge Park (September 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:
Pop-up Story Book Walk (TBD)
Ideas? Please send them to us!
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:
Pop-up Story Book Walk (TBD)
Ideas? Please send them to us!
