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Location
Vancouver, British Columbia
For more information reach out to: jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca
The social benefits of parks are especially important for seniors. A study from CARP found that living near a park helps seniors avoid loneliness at a rate that’s four times greater than that of having children. Yet seniors represent just 4% of park users, despite being 20% of the population.
The Senior Park Champions programs help address this gap. Each year, we support eight seniors in Metro Vancouver* to plan and host three park events, while receiving hands-on training and mentorship from past Champions.
This year, become a Senior Park Champion and lead activities like art classes, yoga in the park, knitting circles, Indigenous plant walks, forest bathing or Tai Chi – bringing your community together and closer to nature!
Each Champion receives:
*See eligible cities below.
0+
older adults engaged in greenspaces
0
Champions running community programming
0%
of participants feeling better connected to their community after the events
May 21, 2026
Applications open – accepted on a rolling basis until June 15. We encourage early applications.
May & June 2026
Online info sessions on Zoom
Phone or online interviews
June 15, 2026
Applications Close
June, 2026
Notification to successful Champions
July 2026
Mandatory Training sessions
July 2026 to April 2027
Park activites
April 2027
Post-event evaluations
People 55 years and older who live in one of the following Metro Vancouver cities are eligible to participate: Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, or Surrey.
No prior experience is required!
We prioritize individuals from historically marginalized communities, particularly those who are racialized, newcomers, living with disabilities, and/or part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Through outreach with local partners, our goal is for 100% of Senior Park Champions and 75% of program participants to identify as members of one or more of these equity-deserving groups.
To apply for the 2026 Senior Park Champions program, please complete our quick Google form by June 15, 2026. You can also express your interest by emailing Joy Ralamboarisoa at jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca.
We’ll schedule a short phone or online call to confirm your eligibility, share more information about the program, and answer any questions you may have.
We’re here to support you! You can connect with us in the following ways:
By email: Reach out to Joy Ralamboarisoa at jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca
By Zoom drop-in session: Ask us anything, no registration required. Just click the link to join on one of the following dates:
Do you work with seniors who could benefit from this program? We’d love to host an info session for your organization. Contact us to learn more.
No, you don’t need to have any prior experience in organizing events to apply. Our program is designed to train and equip seniors with the knowledge and tips they need to lead their park events successfully.
You can apply individually or in pairs. You will both co-lead the activities if applied as a pair.
Successful applicants are required to attend all three mandatory training sessions, which will cover essential topics such as event planning, community outreach, effective communication, and accessibility. You’ll also have the chance to connect with mentors who are past Senior Park Champions.
Training Session 1: When: End of June (Half-day)Format: Online
Training Session 2 When: First week of July (Half-day)Format: In person, in a park in Vancouver.
Training Session 3When: Second week of July (Full day)Format: In person, at the Park People office located in the Werklab coworking space at 1275 Venables Street, Vancouver.
Once you’ve accepted the role of Champion, we’ll confirm the locations, dates, and times of all sessions and send you everything you need to be prepared.
If you’re interested in the program but unsure if you can attend all mandatory sessions, please reach out. We’re happy to discuss your situation.
When you accept your role as a champion, you’ll receive a form to specify your preferred payment method (cheque or e-transfer) and provide your personal information. Each champion will receive the fund after completing three activities.
Unfortunately, no. Due to limited space, Champion roles are only available to new applicants. However, you are welcome to apply to be a mentor for the new cohort and participate in the activities organized by the new Champions.
Yes. You are welcome to deliver your activities in any language you are comfortable with, as long as it helps you engage your community.
Note that training will be held in English, with French translation available.
Champions, Seniors, Training
Each year, we support inspiring older adults in Metro Vancouver to reconnect with nature by leading events in their local parks—sparking belonging, joy, and wellness in their communities.
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