Stories
We've gathered a few stories and "I remember..." thoughts about Royal Kwantlen Park and the surrounding neighborhood. Read about Midnight Swimming, the treehouse, the parties, good times and a crime or two.
We're always listening for interesting stories and memories. Send us your Kwantlen tale so we can share it with others.
Living on the Edge
Two very interesting letters I received from a visitor with memories of growing up beside the park during the 60’s and 70’s:
Randy,
I fell upon this web site by total fluke...I actually lived on Darling Street (now known as 106 ave.) three houses up from Old Yale Road from 1964 to 1980. Back in those days it was still gravel. Our family originally lived in a duplex on the north side of the road but in 1965 my dad bought a lot and built our house which backed on to Kwantlen Park...12890 106 ave.
I grew up playing and exploring in that park as a kid... me and my brother knew every knook and cranny of the wooded area and watched the pool being built...playing fields installed, lacrosse box, groomed paths with multiple fitness stations come about . I went to both KB Woodward and West Whalley 1966 - 1975 and experienced the summer parties teenagers had in the park in the late 60's and early 70's near the pool. Although I have forgotten much of the details of things I do have very fond memories of my life in and around Kwantlen park as a kid growing up. It was very cool looking at the photos...I look forward to looking at your stories in more depth.
Bobby B
A few days later he was kind enough to add to our shared Kwantlen memories:
Randy,
Thanks for your reply...and the photo of our old house. Its proven emotional just looking at the photos...especially our old house and your write up of the park. Looking at the trees, big rocks, trails, lacrosse box, both schools, pool and the old wading pool...it all seems so very familiar...no kidding even the configuration of the tall trees. Its funny how your memory flashes back in time. My wife and I are going to Langley on the week-end and now totally plan to walk through the park...its been many years and well over due.
I'll pass on to you anymore stories or thoughts I get as they come back to me. We knew a lot of the families that lived in the area and most who lived along the park itself. In fact...the house beside our old house..toward KB Woodward school is owned by the same man who sold the building lot to my dad in about 1965...still lives there today. His son was a very close friend of mine.
Anyway...I could go on and on. Thanks for your web site and effort to document a bit of my history.
Bobby B
randy@kwantlenpark.ca
Updated Feb. 28, 2009 Copyright 2009