For over 70 years, the fields at Lord Nelson Elementary and Templeton and Tupper Secondaries have served as vital community spaces in east Vancouver. Generations of families, seniors, and individuals have relied on these green spaces for recreation, exercise, and connection with their neighbors. Yet, beginning in September 2022, without any communication to or consultation with the community, these beloved fields were closed to the public.
Fences were erected to close off the fields. Initial messaging from the Vancouver School Board (VSB) suggested that these were only temporary maintenance closures. Residents expected that access would soon be restored. However, despite early assurances and the willingness of the Lord Nelson school administration to reopen their field, the VSB later announced that the closures were permanent.
Now, these scarce greenspaces sit empty and locked away, inaccessible outside of (and often during) school hours. Residents and children who once enjoyed these green spaces must now watch them go unused for most of the day, their only options being unsafe methods like climbing the fences—a hazard not only to the children attempting to regain access but also to the surrounding environment. In one alarming incident, a coyote became trapped inside a fenced-off field, posing a danger to both wildlife and the community.
The Greenspace Action Committee (GAC) was formed in response to these unilateral closures. This grassroots organization represents the disenfranchised members of our community, working to restore public access to these fields and demand accountability from the Vancouver School Board.
A Community Cut Off from Its Green Spaces
For decades, the Lord Nelson, Templeton, and Tupper fields have provided a rare and essential resource for recreation in neighborhoods that already lack accessible parks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, these fields were even more critical, serving as safe outdoor spaces where families, seniors, and individuals could gather, exercise, and support their mental well-being. Residents would routinely use the fields before 8 a.m., after 5 p.m., and on weekends, demonstrating how valuable these spaces are beyond school hours.
The abrupt and permanent closure of these fields has had severe consequences for the community, particularly for:
• Seniors, who rely on these spaces for gentle exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.
• Parents of young children, who need safe and accessible outdoor spaces for play and connection.
• People with disabilities, who face significant barriers in accessing other recreational areas.
• Youth and community sports groups, who have lost an essential gathering place for informal games and activities.
A Pattern of Silence and Rejection
Since the closures, the community has repeatedly tried to engage with the VSB, asking for clarity and a chance to collaborate on a workable solution. Each attempt has been met with silence or outright rejection.
Most recently, the Greenspace Action Committee requested just five minutes to present survey findings at a VSB delegation meeting—a simple request to share the voices of affected residents. This request was denied. The VSB dismissed the issue as an “operational matter” rather than a policy discussion, shutting down the opportunity for dialogue and dismissing community concerns.
This lack of transparency and accountability has left residents feeling ignored and disconnected from their public institutions. Public spaces should include the public, and decisions that impact entire neighbourhoods should not be made behind closed doors without consultation.
What the Community Wants
The residents of Lord Nelson, Templeton, and Tupper are not making unreasonable demands. They simply want the VSB to:
1. Engage with the community in an open and transparent discussion about the closures.
2. Work collaboratively to find a solution that benefits both the school district and the broader community.
3. Develop a roadmap that balances the needs of students with the importance of accessible green spaces for all residents.
The Greenspace Action Committee has already conducted a community survey, which overwhelmingly showed that the field closures are harming the well-being of residents. The survey highlighted the negative impact of the VSB’s policy, making it clear that the community wants these fields reopened.
By working together, we can create a plan that ensures these fields remain safe, healthy, and accessible—not just for students during school hours but for the surrounding communities in the mornings, evenings and on weekends.
The Bigger Picture: The Fight for Public Green Spaces
The closure of the Lord Nelson, Templeton, and Tupper fields is not just about one neighborhood—it’s part of a larger issue affecting communities across Vancouver and beyond.
Increasingly, we are seeing public green spaces disappear due to development, restrictive policies, and poor communication from decision-makers. Parks, school fields, and community spaces that were once open to the public are being fenced off, repurposed, or placed under restrictive access rules.
This trend raises serious concerns about equity and accessibility. When public green spaces become off-limits, the people most affected are often those with the fewest alternatives—seniors, families with young children, and low-income residents who rely on these spaces for recreation, exercise, and mental well-being.
This fight is about more than just a field—it’s about the fundamental right to public space and community involvement in decision-making.
What Comes Next? How You Can Help
The Greenspace Action Committee is committed to pressuring the VSB to address these concerns, but we need community support to make a difference.
Ways You Can Get Involved
✅ Join our mailing list – Stay informed about our latest actions and initiatives.
✅ Attend Public Meetings – Show up at VSB trustee meetings, city council discussions, and community gatherings to make your voice heard.
✅ Write to the VSB and Elected Officials – Demand transparency, accountability, and a commitment to working with the community.
✅ Share Your Story – If the field closures have impacted you, share your experience on social media or with local media outlets to raise awareness.
✅ Volunteer with the GAC – Whether it’s organizing events, collecting survey responses, or assisting with outreach, every effort counts.
A Call to Action: Let’s Reclaim Our Fields
The closure of the Lord Nelson, Templeton, and Tupper fields is a stark reminder of what happens when public institutions make unilateral decisions without consulting the people they serve.
But this story is not over. The community is united and determined to reclaim its green spaces, and with enough pressure, the VSB can be pushed to listen.
We urge the Vancouver School Board to prioritize transparency and communication. Let’s work together to develop a solution that serves both students and the broader community.
These fields belong to all of us—and it’s time to take them back.
For updates, petitions, and ways to take action, visit greenspaceaction.ca.