I read with interest the front page article suggesting a new name for the Community Park, and then expanding that to potential “user fees.”
So the major (very possibly the only) tourist attraction within Parksville is the Community Park and a user fee is now being considered?
The reason “It’s being loved to death?” Well, the first thing that pops into my head is — build more parks, big and small within the town limits. That huge open field next to city hall would be a great place to start with a “new” Community Park, and build it with the idea of attracting small events into the park, Sunday evening dance music by a qualified band. Add in some major landscaping, a courtyard, maybe a water feature, pathways, benches, tables and then let the community decide the best use for this new “gathering place.”
In a survey that I filled out about four years ago, the question was asked if just such a park would be a favourable thing to look into — of course I responded yes. What ever happened to that idea?
Parksville needs to seriously start thinking of other ways to draw tourists into the city limits, it needs some serious unifying to bring it together. At the moment Parksville has little or no appeal other than the Community Park.
I know this is not going to go down well with some residents, but when questioned about where “Downtown Parksville” is, my response is “I don’t know.” You find it and let me know!
Ron Stuart
Parksville