Central park is nestled in between busy streets and a busy neighbourhood. Whether you are traveling by car or the Skytrain it is very easy to pass by the park without really knowing it is there. It isn’t until you start to explore one of the many well marked trails that you discover how grand the park actually is. You’ll be amazed by the immense trees in the park as well as the many attractions. There is a recently renovated kids play area (which is fantastic), tennis courts, ball diamond, horseshoe pitches, picnic sites and a fitness circuit around the park.

On top of all that there is Burnaby’s largest and most popular outdoor pool, open between May 25 and September 7.

The park is home home to the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team with it’s Swangard Stadium located in the park.

Everytime I go to Central park I seem to discover something new. Whether you go for an hour or the whole day, Central park will be fun and relaxing at the same time, a great escape from the busy city.

You think that a swimming pool located in a park would be calming and tranquil, maybe with the sound of wild birds singing in the background. Well, this one is located in a park that is located within a city. While sun bathing I was charmed by the sound of an ever honking car alarm, and the sound of the band warming up at the Stadium next door getting ready for the game, and the hustle of traffic a block away.

That being said, there is something amazing about being at an outdoor pool in Metro Vancouver. Maybe because it is only hot enough to sunbathe for about two months a year, it occurs as a real treat.

The pool is probably the busiest outdoor pool in Burnaby and is definitely the largest. It is a little dated but this doesn’t distract from a great experience. Less of a family pool compared to the Macpherson outdoor pool but kids are definitely welcome.

As the pool is skirted by a large deck many people set up their towel stations and stay there for the day, tanning. If you are intending staying a while bring something comfortable to sit / lay on as there are no deck chairs to be rented.

Enjoy one of many outdoor pools in Metro Vancouver this summer while the sun is still shining.