The Tri-Cities are inviting graduates to mark their special milestone with photographs at local parks — some with special backdrops, beautiful flowers or scenic locations.
These photo sites listed by Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody offer students safe selfie locations to mark the end of their years of public school.
Like last year, COVID-19 restrictions are putting a damper on big grad events, forcing schools to limit celebrations to virtual or drive-thru events. As well, dry grad budgets are limited and only gifts are allowed, along with a host of other rules noted at a recent school board meeting.
Still, there is a chance for fun and recognition.
The cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody along with School District 43 are working together to support and recognize the graduates of 2021.
Here’s where students can go to get that memorable photo for their families or instagram:
In Coquitlam, all city parks and trails are available for graduates to take photos. As well, Grad 2021 photo backdrops will be placed in the following locations in each community:
• Inspiration Garden - Butterfly Bench and the Green Wall, south end of Town Centre Park (3099 Guildford Way)
• Town Centre Park - the Chief of the Undersea World eco-sculpture (1299 Pinetree Way)
• Riley Park - the lookout at the north side of the park (1315 Riley St.)
• Centennial Rose Garden (640 Poirier St.)
• Mundy Park – at the pollinator garden near the playground (641 Hillcrest St.)
• Como Lake Park - south end of the lake at the base of the paved path (700 Gatensbury St.)
City of Port Coquitlam
• Blakeburn Lagoons Park (2900-blk Elbow Pl.)
• Lions Park (2300 Lions Way)
• Castle Park (2252 Castle Cres.)
City of Port Moody
• Pioneer Memorial Park (275 Knowle Street)
• Rocky Point Park (2800 Blk Murray Street)
While the plans for each city will look slightly different, additional activities will also include:
• Congratulatory messages in the Tri-City News and on outdoor advertising spaces.
• Providing downloadable Grad 2021 signs for residents and businesses to post.
• Sharing congratulatory messages from mayors, city council and school trustees.
• Issuing Council Proclamation for Grad Week and lighting up city hall.
• Encouraging residents to post congratulatory messages on their city’s online engagement channels including providing a Grad 2021 Facebook profile photo frame.
