Our History
A Legacy of Leadership
Since 1958, BCRPA has strengthened the health and resilience of communities across the province. We’ve built a legacy of leadership: fostering connection, expanding access, and influencing policy to advance recreation and parks as essential social infrastructure.
Our members and fitness professionals support more than 95% of British Columbia. Our expanding partnerships drive innovation and collective action, keeping people safe, connected and active. Together, we are shaping healthier futures and vital economies where everyone belongs for generations to come.
Milestone Moments
Celebrating our Story
BCRPA’s rich history and landmark moments.
Leading the Way – BCRPA’s 50th Anniversary
To celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2008, we produced a two-part video capturing the highlights of BCRPA’s first five decades.
Using archival footage, the documentaries showcase BCRPA’s pivotal role in uniting and advancing recreation across BC. By preserving these milestones, we honour our past achievements and renew our focus on shaping future impact.
Watch Part 1Watch Part 2
A New Vision
The Way Forward was a pioneering document — the first comprehensive strategic plan for recreation, parks and culture in British Columbia.
Created by BCRPA and unanimously adopted in 2008, it represented a momentous step forward as a plan to work together across the sector towards a shared vision of long-term community health and wellbeing.
View the PDF
Oral History Project
The Oral History Project captures voices of key pioneers who helped grow BC’s recreation sector. Initiated by the Recreation Foundation of BC, it highlights the innovation, advocacy, and commitment that built today’s vibrant recreation landscape.
Spanning stories and images from 1932 to 2018, it serves as a living record of the evolution of recreation in BC and the growth of BCRPA itself.
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Learn more about upcoming BCRPA events, education, programs and partnership opportunities
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