A new park is opening in Abbotsford on September 19 — and it comes with a meaningful piece of local history built into its design.

Westridge Park, located at 30978 Westridge Drive, features a playground with a water play feature and zipline, a gathering shelter, picnic tables, and paved accessible pathways connecting to nearby Townline Hill Park. The park also includes a Cultural Contemplative Space and Japanese heritage garden, partially funded by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, recognizing the history and contributions of Japanese Canadians in British Columbia.

"This new contemplative space and heritage garden brings an important part of Abbotsford's history into the open," said Japanese Canadian Legacies Society CEO Susanne Tabata. "It is also part of a much larger effort to recognize the contributions Japanese Canadians have made in British Columbia since the 1870s, to preserve places of memory, and to build a strong community and legacy for generations to come."

Mayor Ross Siemens said the park was designed with both activity and reflection in mind.

"The Japanese heritage garden adds special meaning to this space, honouring the history and contributions of Japanese Canadians while creating a place for learning, connection and community pride," he said.

The official ribbon cutting takes place September 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, with activities at both Westridge Park and the adjacent Townline Hill Park. Overflow parking is available near the Townline Hill Park soccer field and at Rick Hansen Secondary School, which closes at 4 PM.