DOUGLAS PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Welcome to the Douglas Park Community Association (the “DPCA”).
Together with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (the “Vancouver Park Board”), the DPCA develops and offers programs and services to the Douglas Park community.
PURPOSE AND MISSION
The mission of the DPCA is to improve the quality of life for the Douglas Park Community.
Under its constitution, the purpose of the DPCA is:
“to provide affordable and quality facilities and programming to meet the diverse needs of the people of the Douglas Park Community and to encourage community use and participation of the Douglas Park Community Centre.”
CENTRE HISTORY
Originally part of the Point Grey Municipality before the city was amalgamated in 1929, this park was first established in 1926 through a money bylaw. The name was decided upon through a community competition and is in commemoration of Sir James Douglas, first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia.
Before being designated a park, this area was a logging camp in the 1870s and was later a grazing site for elk. In 1882 the acreage became the site for the first market garden south of False Creek.
In December of 1964 a local improvement money bylaw was passed allowing construction of a new $100,000 recreation facility at the park which has evolved, over many decades, into Douglas Park Community Centre.
September 11th, 1993 the Douglas Lounge, Front Office addition and lobby renovations to merge the two buildings completed.
In Spring 2008, in consultation with the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Douglas Park Community Centre recently acquired use of two activity room spaces at the old Vancouver General Hospital Nurses’ Residence, now called the Tapestry Community Rooms (2821 Heather Street).
Located near the centre of Douglas Park’s tree-lined 13 acres, the community centre offers a wide range of programs for all ages but with a strong focus on preschool and school age activities. New programming for youth has resulted in a featured skateboard activity along with expanded offerings for seniors and people with disabilities. A half gymnasium, popular exercise room and numerous activity rooms round out this facility’s recreational agenda.
WORKING TOGETHER – JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT
The DPCA is run by volunteer directors elected by members of the DPCA each year at the annual general meeting and is governed by three sets of rules and regulations:
1. The Society Act (British Columbia);
2. The DPCA Constitution and By-Laws; and
3. The Joint Operating Agreement with the Vancouver Park Board.
A Joint Operating Agreement (the “JOA”) signed on March 19, 1979 defines the working relationship that exists between the Vancouver Park Board and the community associations, including the DPCA.
Role of the Vancouver Park Board
The Vancouver Park Board:
• provides the facilities for community association programs;
• pays for liability insurance, utilities, maintenance, supplies and equipment; and
• provides supervisory, maintenance, programming and clerical staff.
Role of DPCA
The DPCA:
• is responsible for community engagement;
• works with Vancouver Park Board staff to develop programs;
• holds special events, and engages and manages community volunteers; and
• collects program revenue to pay for:
• approximately 20 full and part time association employees;
• program subsidies (for low income, seniors, etc.);
• contributions to Vancouver Park Board staff payroll, capital improvements; and other miscellaneous but important items.