Youth Fire Fighter + Megan’s Place Upgrade

Issue #200

Author

Carla McNeil
April 13, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌞 Weather - Mainly Sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - Why is the sun so smart?

 🗓️ New West Events - Variety

 🗞️ New West Local News - Youth Fire Fighter + Megan’s Place Upgrade

 📰 Advertise with New West Spotlight - Buy One, Get One Free

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 15.2 2014 - Record low 0.1 2022

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

April 13, 2025

👨‍👩‍👧 Spectrum Strong Parents – 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

🛍️ Thrift Sale at Queen’s Park Arena – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM

🎨 ADHD Expressive Art Therapy – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🎉 Condom Packing Party in New West – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Learn to Meditate – 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

April 14, 2025

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎶 Music of Twilight – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🧩 Puzzle Mondays at Steel and Oak – Starts at 5:00 PM

🎼 New West Community Choir – 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

April 15, 2025

🗣️ English Conversation Circles for Beginners – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

📖 Storytime (3-5 Years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🔍️ New Westminster Scavenger Hunt – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

📲 Tech Café – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

📚️ Young Readers Book Club (9-12 Years) – 3:45 Pm to 4:45 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🍺 🎲 Beer and Board Games – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🚶 Walk with the Mayor for WALK30 – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

❓️ Trivia Tuesdays at Howe Sound New West – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

 🧑‍🚒 Teens Invited to Apply for 2025 Youth Firefighting Program in New Westminster 🚒 

The New Westminster Youth Firefighter Program (YFFP) is once again gearing up to offer an action-packed introduction to life as a firefighter. A joint initiative between the Justice Institute of B.C., the New Westminster School District, the New Westminster Fire Department, and the City of New Westminster, the program is a unique opportunity for youth to dive into the world of emergency services.

Set to run from July 7 to 11, 2025, the program mirrors the experience of a condensed fire academy. Participants will be immersed in hands-on training, covering essential firefighting techniques, use of personal protective gear, and first aid. This physically and mentally demanding program is perfect for those considering a future in the fire service or related emergency response fields.

Students selected for the program can expect full-day sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., packed with engaging educational content and live firefighting drills. The experience is designed to be fun yet challenging, encouraging discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

Interested youth must submit their applications by Friday, May 16, 2025. Following this, physical abilities testing will take place on May 20 and 21. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited for in-person interviews between May 26 and 30. A mandatory orientation session for selected youth and their parents will be held on Tuesday, June 17, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

While preference is given to New Westminster residents, applicants from outside the city are welcome to apply.

Megan’s Place Playground in Ryall Park is set for a significant refresh, aimed at enhancing the play experience for toddlers aged 1 to 3. Originally built in 2012 to honour the memory of Megan Gunderson, a three-year-old girl tragically killed in a 1996 hit-and-run in Queensborough, the playground will retain its name along with a commemorative plaque and a wood shed that pay tribute to her.

Over time, some of the playground’s original structures have worn down, prompting a need for renewal. The redesigned space will feature a mix of classic and nature-based play elements that better engage young children. New additions include a play tower, playhouse, and interactive play panels, as well as zig-zag boardwalks, wood play logs, a mud kitchen, boulders, and a meandering stone path surrounded by plantings.

Community consultation for the redesign took place throughout 2024. The Parks Department engaged with local groups such as the Queensborough Residents Association, school parent advisory committees, religious organizations, and childcare providers to ensure the updated space meets the needs of the neighbourhood.

During the renovation, families can still access outdoor play options in the area, including three other play areas within Ryall Park itself. Additional nearby options include Sukh Sagar Park, Old Schoolhouse Park, and the Queen Elizabeth Elementary School playground (available outside school hours). Those willing to travel a bit further can explore Port Royal Park, Redboat Park, and Thompson’s Landing Park.

To support families during the temporary closure, Recreation Services plans to offer toddler-friendly indoor play sessions at the Queensborough Community Centre throughout the summer months.

Construction is scheduled to begin on April 8, 2025, with the newly upgraded playground expected to reopen by August. The Parks Department has committed to keeping the community informed with progress updates on the project’s website.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

Why is the sun so smart?

 Because it has over 5,000 degrees. 

Groan O' Meter

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