N E W
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014
W E S T M I N S T E R
INSIDE TODAY: Top picks for free summer fun P9
NEWS,
SPORTS,
OPINION
&
ENTERTAINMENT
www.royalcityrecord.com
◗ WHITECAPS FC
Get set for pro soccer
Whitecaps FC, city work on plans for USL franchise at stadium BY THERESA MCMANUS REPORTER tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com
The Beautiful Game could be coming to New Westminster as the Vancouver Whitecaps are pursuing plans to bring professional soccer to Queen’s Park Stadium. Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the City of New Westminster signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday to work toward launching a United Soccer Leagues (USL) pro franchise in New Westminster. “We are thrilled to announce our efforts with the City of New Westminster to bring a new professional soccer team to its vibrant sports and family oriented community,” said club president Bob Lenarduzzi. “A USL PRO franchise in our own backyard is an important step in our efforts to support the development of players, especially young Canadians, at every level by bridging the pathway to our Major Soccer League team, as well as the national team.” Lenarduzzi said New Westminster is an ideal place for the USL pro team because it is central and is a vibrant community. While the Whitecaps are “very excited” about the potential of bringing a team to New Westminster, he said other cities have expressed an interest in hosting the team. ◗Soccer Page 8
CINDY GERING 604.779.1292
For pix and video, scan with Layar Larry Wright/THE RECORD
Play me: Eight-year-old Dasha Ekworomadu plays the outdoor piano at Ryall Park, at the Queensborough Community Centre’s outdoor stage. She’s watched by Jean Konkle, who spearheaded the painting of the outdoor instrument.
Play me, I’m yours Queensborough joins a worldwide movement with outdoor piano in the park BY THERESA MCMANUS REPORTER tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com
Queensborough is part of a piano-playing movement that’s enjoying a world tour. A beautifully painted piano is the latest addition to Ryall Park at the Queensborough Community Centre. The piano, located on the centre’s outdoor stage, gives visitors a chance to let loose and have some fun tickling the ivories. “We are so pleasantly surprised it is being
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Team Cindy Gering
Top 1% in New Westminster Condo Sales 2008-2012 based on presale and MLS statistics from GVREB
West Real Estate Services
used so often. People are loving it,” said Nikki Lajeunesse, a recreational programmer at the community centre. “Today, when I came into work, it was two toddlers and their mom. It’s been teenagers. It’s been our parks and grounds guys on their breaks. It’s been a really diverse group of people that obviously aren’t necessarily the next Mozarts but are having fun banging around on it. That’s kind of the point – how often do you get to let loose on a piano, especially a piano in a park.” The piano is left outside at the bandshell around the clock for people to play and enjoy. “It’s not about having a perfectly tuned piano,” Lajeunesse said. “It’s more about
Stephen Gorrie CELL
ADVANTAGE REALTY
“Distinguished Service” INFORMATION - HASSLE FREE
604.230.5259
email: stephengorrie@remax.net www.stephengorrie.com
twitter .com/TheRecord
◗Piano Page 8
Individually Owned & Operated
Making You My First Priority!
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
the play.” Queensborough Community Centre was looking for ways of incorporating more arts into its offerings that inspire community to play and connect in an unstructured environment. The new initiative is based on the Play Me, I’m Yours street piano program that’s seen pianos placed in public places in cities around the world with the goal of engaging people and encouraging them to take ownership of their urban environments. Pianos can be found in countries including Australia, France, China, Brazil and the United States. “London, Montreal, Toronto – they have been putting them in really unique areas,
A headstart for your child. French FrenchImmersion Immersion Opening a New Montessori Preschool Classroom in l us EdithsMontessori.com Cadl ay! September 2014! to
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
604-522-1586
facebook.com/RoyalCityRecord