The City of Parksville has offered an update on projects underway or anticipated for the Parksville Community Park.
A release, issued Wednesday, April 6, read that balancing multiple demands with a desire to maintain sustainable property taxes, the city works to improve the Parksville Community Park as well as other parks, trails and facilities to meet current and future community needs.
The new outdoor stage and gathering space received funding of $1.26 million through a Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure grant, and the outdoor stage received an additional $204,750 in funding from the Island Coastal Economic Trust. In September 2021, council allocated $515,000 from general revenue for construction of the stage. While construction is still underway, it’s anticipate to be ready for use in late June.
The Lions Ventureland Playground has seen improvements to surfacing and new playground equipment which has increased accessibility for all ages and abilities. Currently, the city has an outstanding grant application for additional rubber surfacing in the playground.
READ MORE: Construction of new outdoor theatre begins in Parksville Community Park
In 2021, the city received a grant for $168,300 through FCM and the Green Municipal Fund to complete a stormwater management master plan for the park. This plan is complete, and a grant application was submitted to the Green Infrastructure Fund in February for $1.6 million to implement priority stormwater management projects in the park.
In October 2021, council approved the continued use of the Kin Hut washrooms and $499,000 for a new washroom facility. Requests for proposals for construction of the new washroom will soon be issued with construction to follow immediately after award of contract.
The new washroom will help alleviate facility demands during events.
Many projects scheduled in 2022 will improve safety and accessibility for park users, address the need for multi-use facilities, and provide project co-ordination to ensure efficiencies and cost savings. Upgrades in the park include the accessible viewing and safe access to the area near the volleyball courts, pedestrian connections and pathways, and resurfacing and repairs for the skateboard park, lacrosse box, and racquet courts.
City parks support the health of the community and contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of Parksville. Further information about city parks, beaches and open spaces, can be found at www.parksville.ca.
– NEWS Staff, submitted