“I’ve got to be one of the luckiest guys in the world,” said Hedrick.

“I got into something good – I love what I do, I love the life and I love the lifestyle.”

The artist, a staunch devotee of oils as the medium for capturing the subtleties of light shade and colour in the world around him, has been painting full-time for some 27 years.And he said he’s never regretted leaving behind his previous job as foreman of a plant making truck components.

“The other part of this whole business is I get to meet a neat kind of people who appreciate art, whether they’re clients or students; really nice people who love to see the artistic side of life.”

Based in his home in Mission – where he has his own 1,000 square-foot studio – Hedrick is almost a Peninsula resident, judging by the frequency with which he has been inspired by typical White Rock and South Surrey beach scenes for his work.One such is featured on the cover.

“It’s a view from Crescent Beach, looking north,” Hedrick said.”Beach scenes are something I’m really getting a handle on. What I enjoy the most is the light and the high-key values – it’s fun to play around with them.”

Hedrick does a lot of plein air painting in Pitt Meadows as well.

“Usually when I paint plein air the paintings are quite small – eight by 10s,” he said. “But if I like a painting I will take it back to the studio and work it into a larger piece.”

Most of his beach paintings are taken from photographs, he said, although he works meticulously on compositions, including bringing his own models.

He’s now onto a second generation of these – he and his wife Sandra’s two daughters, Jessica and Debbie, who used to be the children in his paintings, have given way to grandchildren, including Debbie’s daughter Rheanne, who has appeared in a lot of his later paintings.

“I’ve been more and more intrigued by colour when I paint – not the way the camera takes it, but the way it really looks.”

Light and reflected light have everything to do with how we perceive colour, Hedrick said.

“When you paint outdoors, just by shifting the easel you can change the whole scheme of colours.”

He’s also been painting more figurative studies, he said.

“I’m trying to paint more from life,” he said.

“I’m trying to do more of what I want to do, these days, and I’ve been finding it’s working pretty well for me. I think I do better stuff. I’ve been able to do my beach scenes even better. There’s more freedom somehow.”

In addition to his own painting, Hedrick teaches classes at his studio in the spring and fall, although there’s usually a waiting list.

“The classes are for all levels, not just advanced painters. I usually put them all through the same program, derived from classes I took in the U.S.,” he said.

“The program is all about looking – I set up a still life in the studio and they have to paint it in black and white, to help assess the values.”

Sports Reporter

For sports fans who’d much rather watch than play, the Peninsula offers a slew of options this summer, so pull up a lawnchair or a patch of grass, and soak up some sun while watching some of the Peninsula’s best athletes.

Junior football’s Big Kahuna Rams – who play home games out of South Surrey Athletic Park – are back for their third season on the Peninsula, after moving south from Bear Creek Park, and begin the regular season July 19, on the road against the Kamloops Broncos. The team’s first home contest is Aug. 2, when the Rams host the defending champion Vancouver Island Raiders.

The Rams – whose roster features players aged 18-23 – finished with a 6-4 record last year, and had fielded plenty of talent, including young quarterback Cam Clark, from Surrey, who took home B.C. Football Conference rookie of the year honours after being thrust into a starting role just weeks before the start of the season.

In addition to junior football, there’s plenty of younger talent hitting the gridiron this summer, too. The White Rock-South Surrey Titans begin play in August, with more players registered than ever before. All Titans teams play at South Surrey Athletic Park.

If football isn’t your thing, there’s plenty more going on at the athletic park, from summer league soccer to baseball. The area’s two soccer associations – Peace Arch and Semiahmoo – will again field premier teams which will compete in the Pacific Coast Soccer League. The season begins in May, and wraps up in July. Last year – the inaugural season for both the men’s and women’s teams – the men’s side, Peace Arch SC, finished with a 7-4-7 won-lost-tied record, while the women’s team, Semiahmoo SC, won once and tied four games.

Both squads play home dates primarily on weekends, making them spectator-friendly. For more information, check out www.pcsl.org. On the ball diamond, the B.C. Premier Baseball League’s White Rock Tritons’ season is in full swing, with the club under the stewardship of new head coach Brent Swanson.

The Tritons have been one of the PBL’s most successful organizations over the years, with many players going on to the college ranks, and some – including last year’s ace pitcher Mitch Hodge – moving straight to the professional ranks. Hodge was picked in the fourth round of last summer’s Major League Baseball draft, and is now a minor leaguer with the Kansas City Royals.

With double-headers scheduled throughout the summer, there’s plenty of action to take in. For a full schedule, and information about the PBL, check out www.bcpbl.com or www.tritonsbaseball.com

Little League baseball is also popular on the Peninsula – White Rock-South Surrey Baseball Association is one of the biggest in Canada – and last year, the association marked its 50th anniversary. In addition, a summer squad of 12-year-old all-stars marched all the way from South Surrey ball fields to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

Speaking of ball diamonds, Softball City is home to the White Rock Renegades girls fastpitch association – one of Canada’s pre-eminent programs. In the past, the ‘Gades have sent numerous teams to provincial and national championships, and a handful of players have moved on to play collegiately, or with Canada’s national team.;

The City of White Rock has been running a handful of activities throughout the spring, but there’s still time to sign up for all kinds of fun.

For children and teens, there’s golf lessons at Peace Arch Golf Centre beginning June 4, as well as tennis lessons run by longtime Peninsula pro Bruce Webster.

For registration details, pick up a copy of White Rock’s Spring Leisure Guide, call 604-541-2161 or register online at webreg.city.whiterock.bc.ca

The summer heat a little too much for you? Head inside South Surrey Arena for some skating lessons with the White Rock-South Surrey Skating Club. The club’s spring season began at the end of March, but runs another two weeks, until June 14.

For athletes of all ages, there’s also plenty of tennis and pickleball opportunities throughout the spring and summer, in addition to everything from golf to sea kayaking. For adults, a handful of hiking experiences are also being offered by the city – from leisurely Sunday walks to weeklong hikes on Nootka Island, along Vancouver Island’s Cape Scott Trail and more.Check the guide, or the city’s website, www.city.whiterock.bc.ca for more information.

The city’s spring guide offers a handful of other activities, as well, including arts and crafts, dance, child storytime and much more.

For seniors, the Kent Street Activity Centre always offers up a full slate of events and activities. Call the centre at 604-541-2231.;

Whether you desire to get married barefoot on the sand, or in one of the various churches scattered throughout the South Surrey and White Rock area, there’s certainly no shortage of options.

While a permit isn’t required for a seaside ceremony and there isn’t a cost to exchange vows on any Peninsula beach, bridal parties aren’t allowed to restrict access to the public or erect any structures. It’s also advised to call the city hall to check if there’s any overlapping of events.

On a sunny day, it’s not unusual to spot a bridal party or two posing for a photographer, as it’s an ideal setting for portraits, especially wedding photos.

In addition to having a variety of ceremony sites, the Peninsula offers a wealth of reception halls, from mansions and golf courses to various halls and banquet facilities.

But the Peninsula isn’t just a destination to tie the knot, cut the cake and dance until dawn.

It’s also a hotspot for brides-to-be to get ready for the big day.

Bakeries, florists and bridal boutiques have put this gem of a community on the map and in the hearts of brides-to-be all over the Lower Mainland.;

Foodies from all over, including our friendly U.S. neighbours, frequently flock here to sample the variety of fresh, world class cuisine prepared by some of the country’s most talented executive chefs.

The wine is also divine – with many restaurants utilizing the B.C. vineyards to complement their innovative menus.

From award-winning upscale restaurants to classic mom n’ pop diners, fish and chip shops, bakeries, delis and tantalizing take-out – White Rock offers the ultimate dining experience.

Dining in White Rock is all about top quality, too: the city is proud to be 100 per cent drive-thru free, and 99 per cent of the restaurants are unique, one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll only find by coming here.

Having diversity in population means diversity in cuisine, which is reflected by the variety of ethnic restaurants and specialty stores located along the popular strip and scattered throughout the Peninsula.

Indian, Vietnamese, West Coast, Italian, French and Mediterranean are just a handful of options available to tantalize your taste buds.

Like jolly ol’ England, White Rock is renowned for its fish and chips.

In the summer months, the aroma of vinegar and fresh chips wafts along the sandy shore from families dining on the savory sea side fare.

For dessert, ice cream is always a popular choice in White Rock.

And there’s certainly no shortage of shops dishing up the icy treat to help cool you down.

From double chocolate chunk ice cream and strawberry frozen yogurt to peach gellato, even the most disciplined dieters find it hard not to stop for a scoop.

;

Now one of the last remaining historical buildings in White Rock, its history began as a train station, built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914. A customs and immigration office, complete with a jail cell, also used to be housed in the building. Passenger service was discontinued in 1975, and the building was donated to the city.

The museum opened its doors in 1990, and since that time, has provided a venue for visitors and residents alike to explore the history of the White Rock community. Visitors can take advantage of the wonderful selection of merchandise in the on-site gift shop, including art, jewelry and crafts by local artists. \Call the museum in advance to arrange for a 15-30 minute heritage walking tour. The tours, which run May through September, are free of charge and participants meet outside of the gift shop.The archives section of the museum contains a collection of public and private documents and photographs, stored in a climate-controlled vault, representing 100 years of history of the White Rock and South Surrey area.

The archives are available to the general public. The White Rock Museum & Archives is open 10 a.m to 5 p.m. daily. Call 604-521-2222.

As soon as the weather turns warmer, both White Rock and Crescent Beach become popular hot spots to beat the heat.

Mild waters and sandy shorelines in a peaceful, serene setting has made Crescent Beach a popular destination for swimmers of all ages.

Parents can take comfort in knowing that a lifeguard is on duty to keep an eye on their little ones from July through August.

One of the best swimming beaches in the region, Crescent Beach also boasts terrific water sports such as kayaking, canoeing – and in recent years – wakeboarding.

On a hot day, get to the beach early to stake your spot in the sand as it does get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.

Thousands of visitors from all over flock to White Rock every summer to dive from the pier, go swimming in the ocean and sun bathe. Named for the large boulder deposited on its shoreline, this charming, oceanside community is located along an eight-kilometre stretch of sandy beach.

The beach is always bustling with activity and excitement, especially around Marine Drive, where the sounds of music and laughter echo from the restaurant patios filled with patrons.

At low tide, children build sandcastles, play frisbee and explore the marine life lurking below the seaweed.

Parents, be advised that White Rock Beach does not have a lifeguard on duty at any time throughout the year.

If you’re wanting to bring along Benji, be aware that depending on what time of the year you’re going, restrictions may apply at both beaches.

If seaweed and saltwater aren’t your cup of tea, perhaps you should consider keeping cool in a pool.

The South Surrey Indoor Pool at 14655 17 Ave., is 37 metres long with six 25-metre lanes and a dive tank with two diving boards.

Not only is the Sunday market among the best attended in the province – frequented by shoppers who want nutritious and locally-grown food – it’s also an important social hub for Peninsula residents.The non-profit White Rock Farmers’ Market was founded in 1999 and is operated by the White Rock Farmers’ Market Society.

Whether it’s by packing a picnic and enjoying a meal on the grass, or reading a book in the sunshine while the kids romp on a playground, there are natural retreats all over the region. Some of the area’s parks offer a place to exercise with nature trails and fitness circuits, while others are a hub of excitement, with sports being played in every corner.

Barge Park

13689 Malabar Ave.

A tranquil setting for relaxing on a hot day or reading a book while children play on the playground.

The beautiful backdrop makes for some refreshing scenery while on your way to the city centre.

Bayview Park

Marine Drive and Bay Street

This green space is great for outdoor dining. Spread out a blanket on the lush grass and enjoy a meal in the fresh air with family.

Bryant Park

15150 Russell Ave.

This spot is the perfect place for a picnic, as tables are located on-site to sit and enjoy some food in the fresh air. The park provides a walkway between Russell and Thrift Avenues, and is dog-friendly.

Centennial Park

14600 North Bluff Rd.

White Rock’s largest park offers various amenities such as tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields and a horseshoe pitch.

A running track is available for those looking for a workout, while cool and peaceful trails are laid out in the forest. An Interpretive Garden Demonstration, west of the horseshoe pitch, displays native plant species that have thrived in the area for thousands of years.

This space is great for family picnics, as a children’s playground is also available.

Coldicutt Park

Marine Drive and Cypress Street

More than three acres of evergreen forest make Coldicutt an ideal place for walking. Trails through the woods provide access to White Rock Beach.

Dr. R.J. Allan Hogg

Rotary Park

15400 Block of Buena Vista Avenue

This park offers more than two acres of beautifully landscaped green space and gardens.

The scenic background makes it a great place for photos.

Crescent Park

2610 128 St.

This 48 hectare park is perfect for all sorts of activities from walking to playing a game of frisbee or football.

Within the wooded area is 5.5 kilometres of trails, including a bridle horse trail. Open and covered picnic areas with barbecues and ovens, plus a playground for children, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts and a track.

Darts Hill Garden Park

1660 168 St.

Breath taking gardens and trails make this a popular park for getting back to nature. It’s the perfect place for a brisk jog.

Lions Park

Marine Drive and Cypress Street

One of the most popular spots on East beach on Marine Drive, Lions Park is located on traditional homelands of the Semiahmoo, a Straits Salish First Nation. The park is best known for its two totem poles, designed by Haida artist Robert Davidson and Coast Salish artist Susan Point, which were erected in 1999 to mark the 125th anniversary of RCMP in Canada. Each totem pole is carved from thousand-year-old cedars. Creation of the park was partially funded by local donors, who purchased brass maple leaves now set into the paving stones.

Peace Arch

Elementary Park

15877 Roper Ave.

This park is a great place for kids to romp around.

The wheelchair accessible playground includes a log roll, swings, slides and monkey bars.

Peace Arch Park

At the border crossing

This beautifully manicured park includes sensational gardens and landscape in spring and summer, making it a popular spot for wedding photo opportunities.

White Rock Promenade

and Pier

Marine Drive between Maple Street and Bay Street

With an ocean view, stunning sunsets and a continuous, wheelchair accessible promenade stretching 2.2 kilometres in length, there’s something for everybody on White Rock Beach.

Highlighted by a historic pier, the promenade is a great place to dine on fish and chips or wine and caviar, and enjoy a scenic walk afterwards. In the summertime, grassy areas make for great picnic spots while children can build sandcastles and romp in the water.

White Rock Museum and Archives is conveniently located next to the pier, where art, souvenirs and a taste of the seaside city’s history can be found.

Blackie Spit

3124 McBride Ave.

One of the top picks for naturalists and bird watchers, the Spit features a fully fenced off-leash dog area, dog swimming beach, park shelter, picnic area, washrooms, natural area trails and walking paths.

Views of Boundary and Mud Bays and Nicomekl River can also be seen. The area is home to the Surrey Sailing Club and Crescent Beach Swim Club.

Crescent Beach

front walkway

3124 McBride Ave.

Crescent Beach is a great place to spend a summer day and/or evening. With restaurants offering a variety of food from fish and chips to Greek, there are plenty of places to grab a bite before picking up an ice cream cone and walking the beach front.

The beach is complete with washrooms, a sand volleyball court and walking paths.

Walk right to Blackie Spit, or venture towards 101 steps for a exquisite sunset view.

Elgin Heritage Park

Crescent Road at 137 Street

Situated along the Nicomekl River, this park features 16 hectares of undeveloped parkland as well as picnic areas with shelters, natural area trails, walking paths and a boat launch.

The area is also home to Historic Stewart Farm, an 1890s homestead furnished to depict turn-of-the-century pioneer life.

1,001 Steps

12500 Block of 16 Avenue

Tucked away behind the bustle of Ocean Park, this gorgeous spot features nature trails and a staircase that ends at the waterfront of Crescent Beach. Also check out 101 steps, at the foot of 24 Avenue, which has access to the waterfront from a staircase through a wooded setting.

Bakerview Park

1845 154 St.

Make a stop here before or after visiting the town centre.

A great place to bring the kids, as there is a playground and picnic areas.The soccer field, baseball diamonds and walking paths make for great exercise, as well.

Dogwood Park

13485 20 Ave.

Bring Fido with you to this park, complete with an off-leash dog area and park shelter.

Go for a walk through the natural area trails and take in the luscious wooded setting.

Fun Fun Park

1472 128 St.

A great place to rest after shopping in Ocean Park. This spot includes wooded trails and walking paths, as well as a playground for the kids.

Redwood Park

17900 20 Ave.

The site of a tree farm established years ago by the Browns, a pioneer family. This 32-hectare park has a unique heritage.

The Browns’ sons, twins David and Peter, lived in a two storey tree house that’s been rebuilt. The park also features five kilometres of hiking trails, sheltered picnic areas, a playground and the largest stand of redwood trees north of California.

Semiahmoo Park

15700 Block of 8 Avenue

Located on the White Rock border, on Semiahmoo First Nation land, this four-hectare park rubs up against the ocean on East Beach.

The site features sports fields, tennis courts, a children’s playground and a band stage for events.

Serpentine Fen

Nature Reserve

4600 Block of King George Highway

Managed by the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, this spot is great for exploring wildlife habitats for waterfowl, birds and more. The park includes bird watching towers as well as a natural area and trails. Bring the binoculars.

South Surrey Athletic Park

14600 20 Ave.

There is something for everyone at this park, which includes a youth park, water park, bike park, picnic area with shelters, washrooms, a running track and artificial turf field.

The park hosts numerous sports with its rugby, football, soccer and mini soccer fields, baseball diamonds, games, tennis and sand volleyball courts. It is best known for being the site of the summer’s Canada Cup.

Sunnyside Acres

Urban Forest

2598 144 St.

Take a long walk through this mature forest abundant in giant hemlock, cedar and spruce. The woods are home to a collection of wildlife, and span 124 hectares.Established in 1988 to preserve a natural habitat for the region’s flora and fauna, Sunnyside’s history is thousands of years old.

Sunnyside Park

15455 26 Ave.

Currently being expanded, this park is a great place to take the kids, especially during the softball season when the diamonds are full of competing teams, and a concession stand is available to refresh loyal fans. The park also hosts an outdoor pool, two playgrounds, picnic areas, a soccer field, games and tennis courts and walking paths. ;

No matter how many developments crop up in White Rock and South Surrey, an escape into nature and away from the hustle and bustle is never far away.

Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest is perhaps one of the better-known examples of ‘green’ initiative. The 130-hectare natural second-growth forest – bordered by 148, 144 and 140 Streets, and 28 and 20 Avenues – is home to birds, coyotes and black-tailed deer, as well as a wealth of plant life.

Twenty years ago, community effort resulted in its dedication “as an unspoiled urban forest park for the peaceful and perpetual enjoyment of all who walk its trails.”

Today, it boasts a plethora of trails used by walkers, runners, dog-walkers and cyclists. It is also the focus of ongoing plantings, maintenance and monitoring; efforts many in the community have taken to heart.

A more recent, yet no less significant, green milestone was the City of Surrey’s purchase of the 5.6-hectare Kwomais Point.

The former church camp – it operated as a children’s camp from 1910-2004 – was bought from the United Church last September.

For the church, the $20-million sale marked the conclusion of years of discussion and debate over how to rejuvenate its ailing B.C. camping ministry. Money from the camp’s sale will fund major capital improvements at other UC camps in the province, as well as benefit an endowment fund. For Surrey, the purchase of Kwomais was described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” and “perhaps the most significant step forward in parks acquisition in many years.”

The city has pledged to keep the 1367 128 St. property in a natural state. It is arguably the most prestigious piece of undeveloped land in Surrey, home to mature forests found in only three other areas of the Lower Mainland: South Surrey’s Crescent Park and Sunnyside Acres, and Lighthouse Park in North Vancouver.

A master plan that will guide the park’s future is in the works.

Other projects worth noting for their green appeal include work to expand Sunnyside Park, efforts to fix habitat damage caused by development in the Little Campbell Watershed and ongoing work at the A Rocha field study centre, where the focus is on restoration work and scientific studies of the Little Campbell Watershed and Boundary Bay. A Rocha also has a demonstration garden which they also use to promote sustainable agriculture. More subtle green initiatives include the Semiahmoo Library/South Surrey Community Policing office and White Rock’s operations building, both of which are LEEDS-certified for their environmentally friendly design.;