Planning is well underway for summer events and festivals in the City of Parksville, with some new and some beloved summer traditions fast approaching.
The city says it is excited to announce the upgrades in the Parksville Community Park are now complete, with just a few finishing touches to come.
“We listened to concerns from park users about improved accessibility, the need for a new washroom facility, and expanded opportunities for unprogrammed public spaces,” read a release from the city. “With major construction happening in the park last summer, we know the experience was not ideal and we sincerely thank everyone for their patience and flexibility.”
While the city was able to host many large events last summer, community events in the Parksville Community Park will be better served this year with the new washroom facility, improved accessible connections throughout the park, upgraded sports courts, new fencing and viewing platforms at the sand volleyball courts, a beautiful new gathering space and improved drop off areas, according to the city.
In 2023, the city managed 700 event bookings. Currently, more than 400 events are already booked at city-owned locations or on city streets, according to the release.
Areas of the city available for events include the Parksville Community Park, Springwood Park, Foster Park, Memorial Plaza, as well as many pocket parks and city green spaces. The city provides these spaces at no cost to special events organizers and residents. Many municipalities charge fees for the use of public facilities to defray the associated costs, including increased maintenance such as additional washroom cleaning, litter pickup, refuse removal, and the staff time required to coordinate and schedule events.
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These costs are an “in kind” donation by the city to an event. In addition, council provides direct support through grants-in-aid to many not-for-profit groups that contribute to the city’s culture and vibrancy.
“We appreciate the hard work of groups and organizations who host community events, many of which are supported by volunteers,” the release said.
Several large-scale events planned this year include Canada Day celebrations, Parksville Beach Festival and Quality Foods Sandcastle Competition and Exhibition, Parkville Community Car Show, Seaside Cruizer events, Quality Foods fireworks and children’s sandcastle event, Summer by the Sea Street Market and events at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre such as Rock the Park, Tim Hortons summer concerts, Parksville Beer Festival, Completely Creedence and Trooper concerts, theatre performances and Symphony by the Sea.
— NEWS Staff