They still need to find the money in the budget, but Parksville city councillors are in support of a student initiative to revitalize Nicholls Park.
The Ballenas Civic Action Group presented some options to council in July, proposing to add some character to the small city park beside the high school, with cost estimates ranging from $8,000 to $20,000.
The group grew out of the school’s Civics-11 class, comprised of students looking to make a positive, long-term impact.
Council supported the project in the summer and the details have been whittled down to the addition of a gravel path through the middle of the park along with new benches, picnic tables, garbage cans and 11 shade trees.
Group member Nic Annau said the student group is working hard to bring the cost down with a lot of volunteer labour and donations. The school will restore recycled benches for example and provide as much of the labour as possible.
They will work with the school’s shop classes and work experience program.
Annau pointed out that getting the official support of council will make it much easier for them to apply for grants and canvass for donations and other support.
The park was named in 1979 after John Leonard Nicholls, a long time teacher, administrator and dedicated community member.