The heart of Coquitlam is undergoing a quiet yet dramatic transformation. Town Centre Park, already a major draw in the Tri-Cities for its events, sports fields, and picturesque Lafarge Lake, is deep into a multi-decade redevelopment guided by the City’s 2018 Master Plan. From new event spaces to major trail enhancements and future family-friendly zones, the evolution of this 103-acre urban green space is being carefully phased in—with several major components already complete.
Expanding the City’s Festival Core
Since the Master Plan’s approval in 2018, the City has completed several high-profile improvements that have expanded the park’s capacity as a destination for events and recreation. Most notably, the Festival Lawn Expansion, completed in 2019, added a vibrant new two-acre green space east of the TD Community Plaza. The expansion not only serves as flexible, year-round open space but also boosts the park’s ability to host large-scale gatherings and cultural festivals.
This was followed by the Festival Hub, which opened in late 2020, adding vital infrastructure between the Community Plaza and the new lawn area. This project introduced a new washroom and servery building, a 650-square-metre social plaza, landscaped pathways, upgraded lighting, and enhanced gardens—all aimed at improving user comfort and the site’s overall versatility for community events.
*Photos by City of Coquitlam
Ongoing Focus: Lafarge Lake Loop Redesign
The crown jewel of the current phase of redevelopment is the Lafarge Lake Loop Trail improvements, covering about 23 acres—or nearly a quarter—of the park. Recognizing the loop as one of the most beloved walking routes in the region, Coquitlam is investing in a comprehensive redesign that includes three distinct walking experiences:
Garden Walk (east side): Featuring elaborate floral displays and new plantings.
Urban Walk (west side): Upgrades to lighting and gathering areas for a livelier experience.
Forest Walk (south side): A more serene, nature-immersed path.
The design, finalized in 2021 after significant public engagement, also includes a new washroom, fully accessible trails, a scenic wharf, and lush plantings throughout. Construction of the Urban and Garden Walk sections began in early 2022, with Forest Walk improvements planned for 2023—suggesting much of this work is either completed or nearing final stages.
Looking Ahead: A Revamped Family Zone
A standout feature in future phases is the Children’s Play Area & Spray Park redevelopment, which will expand and modernize the park’s existing playground. The updated facility will offer inclusive, accessible play structures and a more dynamic water play environment—aiming to appeal to children of all ages and abilities. While timing for this phase has not yet been specified, it’s a key component of the City’s long-term strategy to serve the growing population.
Community-Driven Planning and Engagement
The development of the Town Centre Park Master Plan was rooted in over two years of public input, and that spirit of engagement continues.
The park's ongoing transformation reflects both the City’s vision and its awareness of Coquitlam’s growing and diversifying population—bolstered in part by infrastructure like the Evergreen SkyTrain Extension, which opened in 2017 and directly links the City Centre area with Metro Vancouver’s transit network.
A Park for the Next Generation
As Coquitlam continues to evolve into a dense, urban centre, Town Centre Park is emerging as more than just a neighbourhood amenity. It is a multi-purpose destination park, equally suited for casual recreation, community events, and regional tourism. With phased improvements continuing over the next decade or more, residents can expect this central green space to play an even bigger role in city life.
Curious about what’s coming next in Coquitlam’s civic spaces? Projects like Town Centre Park’s transformation offer a glimpse into the city’s future—and we’re keeping a close watch to keep you informed. Want to stay ahead of the curve? Let’s connect.
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