đą Plant a Hidden Treasure đą
Welcome to Merkley Park, where history, dreams, and the occasional well-hidden treasure quietly coexist. Youâre standing on land that has seen a lotâfrom honest farm work to Olympic dreams, and now⌠you.
This park is named after the Merkley family, most notably Don Merkley, who actually grew up right here when this land was still a working farm. Don was a lifelong history enthusiast, storyteller, and inventor. Legend has it he built all sorts of curious contraptionsâincluding a cannonâproving that boredom never stood a chance on this property. He later shared his stories and memories with the local historical society, helping preserve the roots of this place.
Fast forward a few decades and the farmland has transformed into a thriving community hub. One of its standout features is Karina LeBlanc Field, named after Maple Ridge native and Canadian Olympic soccer star Karina LeBlanc. After moving here as a child, Karina found confidence and purpose through sport, overcoming shyness and bullying to reach the world stage. The field is affectionately known as a local âField of Dreamsâ, reminding young athletes that big things can grow from humble beginnings.
That inspiration is echoed in the âField of Dreamsâ public art installation by Glen Andersen, which blends mosaics and designs celebrating Merkley family heritage, Indigenous history, and Karinaâs journeyâproof that this park is as much about stories as it is about sports.
Today, Merkley Park offers modern athletic facilities, trails, fitness circuits, baseball diamonds, dog walkers galore, and plenty of places to pause and reflect. Somewhere along the outskirts of all this activity, a small treasure has been carefully plantedâpatient, quiet, and very good at blending in. No digging required, no damage done⌠just a keen eye and a sense of curiosity.
So take a stroll, enjoy the mix of past and present, and remember: even the smallest things can hold something special if you know where (and how) to look. đ
Happy caching! đ°đşď¸