Increased vandalism at Storybook Village in Qualicum Beach may threaten programs run by Oceanside Building and Learning Together (OBLT).
Significant damage was done to two buildings in the village, according to Scott Beam, OBLT manager, which included a kicked-in door and a broken window.
Storybook Village, located in the Qualicum Commons, was designed as an early learning, language-enriched outdoor play environment for young children. It also allows parents to connect with organizations that provide family supports.
Vandalism has been an issue for years, but the situation has become noticeably worse in recent weeks, Beam said.
“It was really this weekend [March 11/12] where it ramped up,” he said. “We found around Sunday that the window had been smashed out in one building and then the next day, the whole door frame and everything, in one of the buildings, one of the structures, was just completely busted in.”
Spray paint, discarded garbage and broken bottles are also impacting the area, Beam added.
He said he is not sure if it is one group,or multiple, but the area seems to have become a hangout spot. Earlier this month a staff member witnessed a person, who appeared teen aged, attempt to kick out a window in Storybook Village during the day.
Sergeant Shane Worth confirmed Oceanside RCMP received a report of mischief on March 12, which included damage to a window and some torn-down lights. He added police have no suspects at this time.
The problem is compounded by the fact that Storybook Village no longer has a designated steward. Beam said he recently learned that after the two Qualicum Beach Rotary clubs amalgamated, they would not longer look after the facility.
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Multiple free programs run out of Storybook Village, including the StrongStart program in the spring and summer. The area also has a track and provides trikes with helmets for children to ride around with. It also provides a chance for community partners such as PacificCARE, Society of Organized Services (SOS), the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and RCMP to connect with families and parents.
Storybook Village also hosts popular events such as the Halloween Spooktacular, which Beam said brought at least 200 people in last year.
“It’s been a community treasure for quite some time,” he said. “With the amount of vandalism going on, it’s hard to maintain a good optic in the community and see it as a treasure when it’s being damaged so openly.”
Beam added that staff ensure the area is safe before the buildings are used, but if staff arrive in the morning to find substantial damage, it is a challenge to host a program in the village.
He said he feels empathy for whoever is damaging Storybook Village.
“To be drawn to that extreme, what value do you feel in your community as part of it?” he said. “Obviously you don’t value what’s in your community. And clearly you don’t feel valued if you’re doing that.”