Brookswood/Fernridge is where country meets city

Known for its tall stands of conifer trees and small-town country feel, the community of Brookswood/Fernridge in south 91原创 is home to 13,000 residents.

Considerable growth is expected in the coming years, with a number of new subdivision applications in the works, and an updated official community plan under review.

The community borders the rural area of 91原创 to the south, where many horse facilities and trails are located, the City of 91原创 to the north, Murrayville to the east and the City of Surrey to the west.

Eat

In the commercial core of Brookswood, primarily located along 200 Street between 40 and 42 Avenues, there are a range of dining options from quick take-out meals, to sit-down feasts. Choose from pizza parlours, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Lebanese restaurants, coffee shops, and a bakery that has been serving the community since 1977.

Further east, along 40 Avenue and 208 Street, a smaller strip mall also offers fast food, coffee, pizza and Chinese food options.

Heading south, The Artful Dodger Pub, located on 24 Avenue and 200 Street, is one of the only places you can enjoy a pint with your pony. Patrons are encouraged to ride their horses down, and park them in the paddock out front. They also have one of only six drive-thru liquor stores in B.C.

See

Despite being one of 91原创鈥檚 smaller communities, there is still much to see and do in Brookswood/Fernridge.

The 91原创 Rod and Gun Club, a non-profit society, has provided residents a place to practise a variety of shooting styles since 1946. They offer trap and skeet shooting, 5-stand sporting clays, 22 cal rifle, air pistol and rifle, handgun, fast draw and archery. There are memberships available for individuals, juniors (under 18), seniors (over 65) and families, as well as day passes for members of the public.

Fernridge Hall, located on the corner of 24 Avenue and 200 Street, is another landmark of the community. Built in 1921, it has served as a gathering place for numerous events for nearly 100 years.

The 91原创 Playhouse is home to the 91原创 Players Drama Club, a theatre group that hosts three productions each year. Coming up this fall is The Memory of Water, running Oct. 19 to Nov. 18. Located at 4307 200 St., the iconic yellow playhouse building was constructed in 1930 as the Brookswood Community Hall, and later converted to the playhouse in 1972.

Life Tabernacle has served as a church in the community at 4447 200 St., for seven decades and is considered a heritage building. Constructed in the 1940s as St. Paul鈥檚 Anglican Church, it was transferred to the Pentecostal Church of British Columbia in 1969.

Shop

Along 200 Street, residents can get many of their services from local businesses, including a health food store, hair salons, a lingerie store, a florist, pet store, nail salon, a liquor store, a consignment clothing store and a high-end men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 clothing store.

There is even a tack shop with supplies for the 5,000 equine citizens in 91原创 as well.

On 208 Street, there is another local liquor store, a wine-making store, and shops for equipment rentals and RV supplies.

Play

Some of the great features of this community are the numerous parks, where residents and pets can get outside and play. Brookswood/Fernridge boasts 115 acres of public park space, and the popular Campbell Valley Regional Park, City of 91原创 off-leash dog park and Surrey鈥檚 Latimer Park are just minutes away.

One of the busiest outdoor spaces is Noel Booth Community Park, located on 36 Avenue near 202 Street, where baseball and soccer players flock to use the many diamonds and fields. A pathway around the park connects to a network of trails between Noel Booth Elementary School and 32 Avenue at the Brookswood Fire Hall. In the summer, people can be seen fishing in the small lake, and dogs roam free in the off-leash area.

Popular among dog walkers and frisbee enthusiasts, the trails along Dale Ball Passive Park are primarily used for the disc golf course. In the fall and winter, the former gravel pit fills with water and many bird species can be spotted. In the summer, the pond dries, revealing an expansive disc golf area. Access is from 36 Avenue and 207 Street.

On those hot sunny days, head to Brookswood Park on 200 Street and 40 Avenue to cool down in the spray park.

Those with a need for speed can try out the BMX track at 42 Avenue and 207 Street at the Brookswood Skateboard Park. Home to 91原创 BMX, the park attracts riders from around the world during provincial, national and international competitions.

As the rainy season comes upon us, head inside the George Preston Recreation Centre, located beside the BMX track, to watch the 91原创 91原创 Junior A hockey team play, or hop on the ice yourself during community free skates. Next door, the building also features a curling facility for the 91原创 Curling Club.

The Brookswood Seniors Centre at 19899 36 Ave., was founded in 1974 at the George Preston Recreation Centre (then called the Civic Centre). The organization soon grew too large and took over a former Mennonite Church on 36 Avenue, where they continue to operate today. They host a number of activities for seniors, including line dancing, games, bridge competitions and Zumba classes.