The property along Jensen Avenue between Craig Street and Highway 4A (Port Alberni Highway) is always a delight to see as we come into Parksville.
The green grass, the trees, the gently rolling ground is just shouting out for some benches, flowers, shrubs, walkways and maybe even a small band shell. It was especially lovely the year someone planted wildflowers on the corner for us all to enjoy as we walked by or waited at the traffic light.
Lately, I have noticed with a bit of alarm that parked vehicles are beginning to encroach on the grass. This is no doubt a result of the loss of parking on the other side of the PCCC with the construction that has started.
Now is the time to really consider taking steps to preserve a major piece of green space in the city. It could be a natural congregating area for any event the Craig Street merchants may want to promote. The summer market might extend up there and provide a lot more space for vendors. Maybe a summer celebration could be there.
There are few places in the city to rest and enjoy a breather. The existing ones in general are on the street and are more like bus stops without the bus rather than places to sit and take in the surroundings with any sense of relaxation. The little area at the junction of Morison and the Highway is lovely; the courtyards for Mad Bee Café and Pacific Brim Coffee likewise say stop here. The empty lot on Craig Street where the Holiday Café used to be so many years ago is clean with a great mural but where are the planters, seating, low trees that could be there. I imagine this is private property but the city could explore something however temporary with the owners.
How about the property languishing between Stedmans and the old YAM/second hand store/garden of sorts along Jensen? The city hall complex hardscape is anything but inviting to sit and spend time. There is no shelter from the rain or the bright sunshine. Shade is conspicuous by its absence.
The Jensen Street green space developed into a people area would serve to enhance the city. It would be a spot for residents to enjoy. I am sure it is slated for development. I can only hope that residents and quality of life are major considerations that would trump commercialism.
Gloria NovakHilliers