In 1923, three members of the Ocean Park Society (Chairman Mrs. Cope, Mrs. Wood and Mr. Giblin) approached Mr. John Horner to provide land for a community hall. By late 1924, Mr. Horner agreed to donate the land to the society outright. The Society was incorporated in December of 1925 and on March 3rd, 1926 the Ocean Park Community Hall was hosting its opening supper. What a remarkable achievement by these early pioneer families who found the time and energy to work for the community when everyday life was grueling and less comfortable by far than what we experience today.

The Ocean Park Community Association continues to follow our original mandate as stated: “To create a community spirit by fostering an intelligent interest in all community affairs,....the community hall shall establish a community centre,....promote a social, educational, and recreational interest in the neighborhood.”

Volunteerism served as the genesis of this community association and it still remains the cornerstone of our
activities. The Ocean Park of today is far different from the outpost it must have been in 1925. Yet, the sense of community remains important and working together is still the best way of accomplishing our goals.

Our focus now is on how best to deal with the issues we presently face in Ocean Park. To that end, the Ocean Park Area Livability Study was launched. A community survey was distributed in March 2002. The final results and report were presented to the OPCA and Surrey City Council in November 2002. A copy of the report is available at the Ocean Park Library.

The three main community issues identified by the results of the survey were:

1. traffic concerns.
2. lack of policing in our area; vandalism.
3. lack of community recreation opportunities, especially for youth and seniors.

The Ocean Park Community Association obtains it’s income from hall rental fees, fund-raising events, membership fees and tax-deductible donations. Association Meetings are held 2-3 times per year, with our AGM held in February. The hall business is handled by Jean Matthews, our Executive
Director. The community hall is well used by many groups and classes on a regular basis. A schedule of classes and events is posted on the calendar page.

The OPCA also hosts annual community events such as: The well attended Heritage Tea held usually held in early spring and then later in May the very popular "Taste of Ocean Park" The OPCA is always actively looking for new volunteers for these events call the Hall @ 604.538.2460 and join the group. In addition, we sponsor annually two OPCA Bursary Awards(each school) to graduating students at Elgin Park Secondary School and Earl Marriott Secondary. Thanks to member fund raising & donations these Bursaries are self sustaining.

A Family Membership of (for 2009) $20.00 provides: 4 newsletters a year, keeping you informed of OPCA activities; a 15% discount in Hall rental fees after the first year of membership; an opportunity to have a voice in the community through the Association; an opportunity to give your support to your Association, your Hall and your Community. The more members we have, the bigger our voice at City Hall. Already, Surrey City Council recognizes the OPCA as a strong and viable community association. Here’s your opportunity to support your community and also pay homage to those residents of long ago who contributed so much to this special place.

SO... REMEMBER: "IT IS YOUR HALL" "YOUR ASSOCIATION" "YOUR COMMUNITY"