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Nanaimo’s Adopt-A-Park program gets local funding boost

Apr 20, 2018 | 4:28 PM

NANAIMO — Nanaimo parks will be in good hands following a donation to the Adopt-A-Park program.

The City of Nanaimo accepted a $6,600 cheque from TD Bank and their Friends of the Environment Foundation on Friday, April 20.

Environmental planner Rob Lawrence said the money more trees will be planted in Beban Park and the Catsream area through their park stewardship program.

He said the money helps with critical work.

“Each and every contribution from any business or individual, whether it’s funding or volunteer efforts, is very much appreciated. Resources are always stretched thin for many of these things.”

An asset management plan showed 43 per cent of Nanaimo’s park amenities are in poor or very poor condition, including parks, sports fields and trails.

“By working with stewardship groups and looking for opportunities for funding to support things like tree-planting projects, I think we can improve the assets overall and save money in the end,” Lawrence said.

There’s currently 15 local groups looking after areas in need, everything from tree-planting to caring for existing vegetation and enhancing riparian areas along Nanaimo’s many streams and rivers.

Lawrence said the high number of groups represents how much Nanaimo residents care about the environment.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit