‘Parks & Rec’ adds ‘Culture’ to name

The Township of Langley division that runs recreation facilities, provides programs, and looks after local parks is kicking off the New Year with a few changes.

Parks and Recreation is now called Recreation, Culture, and Parks.

“The new name reflects the broad scope of the division’s services to the community,” said former acting director of Parks and Recreation Christine Corfe. “We are very proud of the wide variety of services we provide to the community.”

Recreation, Culture, and Parks is staffed by about 400 full-time, part-time, and auxiliary employees who are responsible for maintaining the Township of Langley’s parks and trails, and for providing everything from swimming lessons to arts and craft classes at W.C. Blair Recreation Centre, Walnut Grove Community Centre, Aldergrove Community Centre, Willowbrook Recreation Centre, West Langley Hall, and community schools.

Corfe, who is now the Township of Langley’s Director of Corporate Administration, handed over the reins of Recreation, Culture, and Parks to David Leavers on Jan. 2. Leavers was previously Manager of Leisure Services with the City of Coquitlam. Before that, he worked as a Community Recreation Manager with the City of Toronto’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

“I’m excited about coming to the Township of Langley,” said Leavers, who noted that there are many exceptional recreational opportunities in store for the growing community.

“As our population increases and more people discover that Langley is a great play to live and work, we will continue to give them great chances to play and to enjoy our facilities, programs, parks, and trails.”

Leavers is especially looking forward to the construction of the new Events and Recreation Centre that will be built in Willoughby Community Park.

“This is a time of growth and change for the Township of Langley, and I’m pleased to be a part of it,” Leavers said. “Whether you like strolling through our beautiful parks, taking fitness classes at our recreation centres, or enjoying special events such as our annual Arbour Day celebration, the services provided by Recreation, Culture, and Parks contribute to the health of our residents and the quality of life in the Township of Langley.”

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