In 1965, Larry Hope suggested to his father, Alex Hope, a former reeve and councillor of the Township, school trustee and MLA, that Redwoods would make a great park. But the administration of the day rejected the offer, on the grounds that Langley had lots of parks but didn't have enough money to develop them. The Township, Larry Hope recalled, said that "if I wanted to donate the land, they would be happy to accept it."
For Hope, that wasn't in order.
"My feeling was that I would be happy to give Langley a deal, but not donate the land for nothing," he told council.
He added that the family is pleased to see the Hope name attached to the property. But he also wants recognition on a park plaque for Langley's pioneers.
"These people worked in the turbulent times including the gyrations of the economy, a prolonged Depression and two World Wars," Hope said.
His presentation followed that of Bob Puls, vice president of the Langley Field Naturalists, who submitted a report detailing the flora and fauna of the park.
Naming and dedicating the park is the first chapter, Hope said. "The final chapter will conclude when the entire 175 acres are in a nature park."
Council approved the development of a trail which will follow the Terasen Gas pipeline.
This trail will allow public access along an established corridor which provides good opportunities for viewing nature while having a minimum impact on vegetation.