Some times the best memories are created from the most simple activities. When I was a kid, without any warning or semblance of planning, my Dad will pull over the family van along the side of Russ Baker Way in Richmond and we would all pile out into the field that ran alongside YVR airport. My Mom would lay out a blanket and sometimes a small picnic and my brothers, sisters and I would eagerly await an incoming plane as it approached to land at YVR. Free and uncomplicated, but one of the things I loved doing best with my family.
That field has changed a lot since I was a kid, but the fun is still there. Instead of an open field there is a now a park – Larry Berg Flight Path Park, and it is still the best place to race the planes.
You could probably drive down the Russ Baker Way a dozen times and not realize that Larry Berg Park is even there, but it’s a destination worth checking out. There is a semi circle globe that is really fun for kids to climb over and check out all the different travel destinations the world holds (lots of post pandemic travel dreaming happening over here).
There are lots of picnic tables and benches around the park which make it a fabulous place to bring a meal and watch the sunset (there is also a McDonalds just down the road if you’re feeling lazy like me and don’t feel like cooking).
Instead of just an open field to race the planes, now there are actual lit runways that kids (and adults) can run along. We always call out as we see a plane approaching, then run to the start of the park’s runway and as the plane gets close we yell “GO!” and run as fast as we can to the other end of the runway.
It was pretty awesome to take my kids there for the first time this year and see how much joy they from racing the planes too. Now it is a favourite picnic spot for them too.
