Clayton: A Community Planned For Today’s Families
East Clayton began its transformation from a rural neighbourhood into a high-density community in 2003. In partnership with the University of British Columbia’s Design Centre for Sustainability, the City of Surrey set out to redefine a suburb and create a mix of affordable housing for young families to raise kids, to have shops within metres of their door, and to enjoy the surrounding green space.
Know Your Neighbours in Clayton
This high-density community offers all types of mixed housing options. You’ll find duplexes, condos, townhomes, and subdivisions intertwined. With the introduction of back lanes, Clayton neighbourhoods have coach houses in backyards and attractive front porches. Many of these new single-family homes and coach houses have a legal rental suite which spells – mortgage helper!
The planned walkways in Clayton’s pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy for kids to walk to the nearby elementary and secondary schools, and for adults to pick up groceries, a cup of java, or a quick bite.
Dine in Clayton
Within the community of Clayton, you’ll find casual dining on the fly, Clayton Liquor Store, and the Dublin Crossing Irish Pub in Clayton Crossing. Fondly referred to as the Dublin by the locals, this public house is warm and inviting and has developed a reputation for good sit-down pub food – not to mention live entertainment.
For more dining options, you can visit the various independent and franchise restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and sushi bars within nearby Cloverdale <link to Cloverdale Neighbourhood>.
Parks, Recreation & Culture in Clayton
Dating back to 1939, Clayton Park is home to Clayton Hall, a lawn bowling field, tennis courts, playground, baseball diamond, soccer field, basketball court, picnic shelters and tables, as well as nature trails that include a looping path through a grove of spectacular Douglas Fir trees. Dog owners will appreciate the pathway that leads through the forest and connects to the Clayton Dog off-leash Park.
Another gem in Clayton is the Surrey Little Theatre located in Clayton United Church which closed its doors for worship in 1967. This community theatre is always looking for people to get involved on the stage and behind the scenes. You won’t be disappointed with the local talent!
Adults, families, youth, and children enjoy a variety of recreation activities and drop-in programs at Clayton Hall and Clayton Heights Secondary School. Find a program through the Surrey Recreation Guide.
Situated in the community of Cloverdale, Clayton residents have easy access to the 36 parks in Cloverdale. Check out the various recreational facilities within Cloverdale including:
- Clayton Hall
- Cloverdale Arena
- Cloverdale Recreation Centre
- Don Christian Recreation Centre
- Greenaway Outdoor Pool
- Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex (coming in 2019)
Surrey’s cultural scene would not be complete without mentioning these venues:
Clayton Schools
Surrey School District 36 is the largest district in BC and growing. You’ll find local private schools and a range of public education and support programs for students of all ages at www.SurreySchools.ca.
Locate the school in your catchment area using the School Locator by simply typing in your street name. Before and After School Care is available for students registered at Clayton Elementary.
Surrey’s post-secondary options include:
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
- KPU Tech Campus (Cloverdale)
- Simon Fraser University, Surrey Campus
- Sprott Shaw College, Surrey Campus
Local Events in Clayton
Don’t miss out on the Clayton Community Festival in the summer and what’s happening at Clayton Hall.
For a complete listing of festivals, annual city events, and community-hosted events throughout Surrey, check out Discover Surrey’s Event Calendar and the City of Surrey.