Overview of Riley Park

First developed in 1964, the Riley Park Community Centre philosophy is to encourage, develop and facilitate leisure opportunities for all ages in the Riley Park Neighbourhood.

Located at Ontario Street and East 30th Avenue, the centre is surrounded to the west and north by Queen Elizabeth and Hillcrest Parks which support such facilities as formal gardens, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, a pitch & putt golf course, newly renovated playfields and Nat Bailey Baseball Stadium.

Riley Park Community Centre programs and services include sports, visual arts, performing arts, health and fitness, an indoor swimming pool, skating rink, and fitness centre along with numerous special interest programs. Recent upgrades to the facility include swimming pool improvements to Percy Norman Pool and construction of both a junior and senior aged children's playground. Adjacent to the community centre is the Millennium Sports Facility which opened its doors in 2006 and features gymnastics programming and indoor lawn bowling.

Construction is currently underway for facilities that will house the 2010 Olympic Curling venue. Following The 2010 Games, this short term facility will be converted to a legacy facility that will house a new community centre, ice rink, aquatic centre, preschool, library and curling rink. Plans are also in the works for a Community Visions project office where citizens can express their ideas and opinions about local developments.

Vision and Mission

Riley Park Community Association works in partnership with the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board to manage the Riley Park Community Centre – a large, multi-service not-for-profit organization. The Association was incorporated in June 1965. Its role is to provide charitable leisure opportunities in the Riley community through facilitating community access and providing cultural, intellectual and physical activities for the community through recreation classes, leisure activity classes and other similar activities.  Of great importance to the RPCA is the fostering of community spirit and community involvement.  

The demographic of the Riley community has undergone significant and rapid changes in the last five years. Previously an area with a high proportion of financially challenged families and ‘at risk’ youth, the community now contains a considerable number of upper middle class families. Subsequently, programming staff at Riley Park have molded the programs and activities offered at the community centre to target both demographic elements.  A specialized programming component for individuals with special needs continues to play a strong role.  With inclusive children's camps, dance classes and various other opportunities in the pool, rink and community centre we take pride in offering recreation opportunities to all.