A hot air balloon landed in Douglas Park in Langley City on Sunday evening, a bit off target from its goal of reaching the airport.

The balloon, a Sundance Balloons craft, took off from around 192nd Street and 28th Avenue in Surrey, according to George Miller, manager of the Langley Regional Airport.

The balloon pilot apparently told the airport tower that he was meeting unfavourable winds in an attempt to get to his destination.

After trying several different altitudes to find a favourable breeze, the pilot set down on the playing fields by Douglas Park.

No one was injured, either on the balloon or the ground. Aside from the unintended location, the landing apparently went fine.

However, Langley RCMP and City firefighters arrived to check out the scene.

"It's not something we recommend," said Miller of landing in a public park.

However, deputy fire chief Pete Methot of Langley City noted that it happens about once a year that a balloon will come down in a City park or other large open area.

Sundance Balloons is a large, Canada-wide company that operates regular hot air balloon tours through the summer months.

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com