I've had the pleasure of watching the birth and growth of a beautiful new wetland in Beaconsfield Park, Vancouver. As a testament to nature-based urban development, the Beaconsfield wetland project reflects progressive city planning dedicated to enhancing biodiversity. Vancouver's Parks Board has invested close to $2 million into this project, crafting a serene oasis and promoting ecological balance within our urban landscape.   One of the chief purposes of the wetland has been to clean water from upstream in Still Creek. Local groups like Still Moon Arts society have worked for years to restore salmon habitat to Still Creek, and in 2012 there was a return of salmon to this body of water.  Further, Parks Board has designated Still Creek to be an important area for habitat restoration, and an important drainage route in the future. 

However, the same body that created this sanctuary has now set its sights on a contradictory venture—the installation of an artificial turf soccer field directly adjacent to this wetland. This plan negates the purpose and efforts put into the wetland's development, threatening not only its aesthetic but also the environmental balance.

Astroturf may offer a durable playing surface, but its environmental impact is significant. Unlike grass, astroturf cannot absorb carbon dioxide or produce oxygen, a setback in our city’s fight against climate change. The microplastics contained in astroturf pose a danger to adjacent natural habitats, especially one as delicate as a wetland, potentially harming wildlife and the water quality.   There are also studies showing that even alternatives to crumb rubber, like the material proposed for the new soccer field, break down and can potentially affect the health of children playing on it.  Astroturf is not recyclable and will ultimately end up as one more contribution to the buildup of plastics in our environment.

We don't oppose soccer.  It's an important community venture, good for kids and neighbourhoods.  However this location, right next to a new wetland Parks Board has spent close to $2 million to create, is very problematic.  As evident in the photograph above, a high fence will need to be constructed to keep soccer balls from landing in the wetland.  There will invariably be high foot traffic beside it as people pass to and from the soccer field.  The proposed field will be located directly beside a seniors' care home where the residents generally go to bed around 8 PM; soccer games are scheduled to proceed until 10 PM.  Further, there are other locations close by which already feature soccer, and other potential areas not close to fragile local residents.  Parks Board claimed that they had consulted the community, but the only people who seemed to know about it were members of the soccer federation, who showed up to the Parks Board meeting in force.

Let's urge the Vancouver Parks Board to reconsider this proposal and meaningfully consult with the community living around the park.

Sign this petition to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Still Creek.!