Tree removal planned for proposed new North Yards park

Danger trees are coming down in North Yards next week as the District of Squamish moves closer to breaking ground on a new neighbourhood park.

Tree removal is scheduled to begin March 30 at the park site at the end of No Name Road, marking one of the last steps before a full park design is released to the public. A certified arborist assessment identified eleven danger trees with significant structural instability or decay, along with three standing dead snag trees within the future play area. Removal work is expected to wrap up by April 10, with an environmental monitor on site to check for active bird nests before any trees come down.

The District has emphasized that tree retention remains a priority in the park design, and play features will be located in areas that are already cleared to limit further removal.

The park plan itself is still being finalized, with a provincial archaeology review currently underway. That review is a required step before construction can begin and has the potential to affect both the design and the budget. Once complete, the district plans to share a full park plan with the community this spring.

The design reflects feedback gathered from North Yards residents, who called for preserving the site’s natural feel, keeping the existing pump track, prioritizing nature-based play, and separating foot traffic from cyclists and dog walkers. The plan includes accessible paths to the play area, a separate rugged route for bikes and dogs, native and pollinator-friendly plantings to replace invasive blackberry, and manufactured play equipment featuring swings, a slide, climbing, and spinning elements.

The $340,000 project has been in the works since 2024, when the District first invited North Yards residents to share how they use the site and what they hoped to see in a future park. Funding comes from Community Amenity Contributions, cash that property developers provide to help meet community needs. That early input shaped the direction of the design, with residents emphasizing the importance of keeping the space feeling natural and retaining existing features.

Construction drawings and a bid process are expected this Summer (2026) and construction is slated for Fall 2026 with the park opening in 2027.

Residents can follow the project and sign up for updates through the District of Squamish’s Let’s Talk Squamish engagement website.