It's time to thank the Lions.
The City of Parksville and the Parksville Downtown Business Association (PDBA) will host a community celebration at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 8 in the Community Park.
The Parksville Lions Club has been actively supporting the community for 46 years and this celebration will mark the club's 30th anniversary of their involvement in the park.
Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Who: Community members, Community Park users.
What: Community recognition of the Parksville Lions Club.
Where: Parksville Community Park (near Ventureland Playground).
When: Friday, May 8 at 10.30 am
Why: To celebrate the significant contributions by the Parksville Lions Club and its members to the Community Park and acknowledge the partnership between the Lions Club and the city.
The Parksville Lions Club was chartered in 1969 with its first meeting held in the old community hall in the park. In 1985, the Lions Club took over the park playground and renamed it "Ventureland."
In 1992, the water spray portion of the park was added and in 1998, the Lions helped the city build the skateboard park.
In 2013, with help from the city, PDBA and federal funding, an outdoor gym was added. In 2014, the Lions Club installed the wheelchair accessible swing and this year, the Lions Club made significant upgrades to the Ventureland Playground with new equipment and repairs to existing structures.
The Parksville Lions Club estimates since 1985 it has spent about $500,000 for equipment as well as an annual $5,000 for maintenance of the playground.
Lions Club members volunteer about 2,000 hours each year at the playground and continue to raise funds to maintain and upgrade the equipment. Members work closely with city of Parksville parks staff to facilitate equipment maintenance and new installations.
In July each year, the Parksville Lions Club hosts the annual International Kite Festival and popular teddy bear drop in the Community Park.
In recognition of the significant contributions by Parksville Lions Club members, Mayor Marc Lefebvre, on behalf of city council, will proclaim May 8 as "Parksville Lions Day" in the City of Parksville.
— City of Parksville news release