The History and Legacy of the Vancouver Park Board

As the Bloedel Conservatory marks its 50th anniversary, join Park Board Commissioner, John Coupar, and retired Park Board Public Affairs Manager, Terri Clark, to explore the history and legacy of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. First established in 1888 and enabled by the Vancouver Charter, the Vancouver Park Board is the only elected body of its type in Canada, setting it up for constant friction, at one time or another, with all other elected groups. That single fact has made all the difference in our character as a city. Learn about some of the long-term park plans over the years, successful and otherwise, that have sought to increase green space citywide in the face of rapid development, and the efforts of devoted Park Board employees whose work resulted in some of the globe’s most horticulturally divine green spaces and recreational pleasure grounds. The speakers will also highlight the story of the Bloedel Conservatory through five decades at the highest point of the city, including how the stage was set for its conception and development in one of Vancouver’s most beautiful open spaces, Queen Elizabeth Park.