Small painted figures, doors and rocks were removed from Shelly Creek Park by the City of Parksville.
Residents Disheartened as Beloved Figurines Vanish from Shelly Creek Park
In Parksville, frustration is mounting among residents following the removal of cherished small painted figures, whimsical doors, and rocks from Shelly Creek Park.
The figurines featured beloved characters like Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Rabbit, accompanied by tiny doors adorned with their names. Additionally, carved owls had found a home on a dead tree, adding to the park’s charm.
“They’d been part of the park for the last four or five years,” lamented Fred Smith. “Grandparents bring their grandkids here, and parents take their children to enjoy the magic of Piglet’s door and the colorful painted rocks. Now, the community is upset, and we can’t understand why this was necessary.”
The City of Parksville explained that the removal of personal decorations, including flowers and other items left on benches, trees, and playgrounds, is part of an effort to enhance the park experience for all users. According to Bylaw 1521, it is prohibited to leave or discard personal belongings on city property, except in designated garbage and recycling receptacles.
Notices detailing the reasoning behind the removal were posted at park entrances. However, Smith and others have reached out to the city via email but have yet to receive a response.
“It was just a little thing,” Smith reflected, unaware of who created the figures. “They were only about six inches tall and painted onto a dead tree limb—harmless really. Now there’s a big empty space where the city removed them.”
The city noted a significant increase in “decorations, graffiti, and personal items” in local parks, particularly in Shelly Creek. They emphasized that decorations affixed to trees within the creek’s riparian zone violate the Provincial Fisheries Act and the Streamside Protection and Riparian Area Regulations.
“While leaving painted rocks and decorations may seem like a fun activity, it can detract from the enjoyment of others and is against the bylaw. We urge park users to avoid leaving items in public spaces to help us preserve the natural environment,” the city stated.
For those seeking to reclaim items collected from the park, the city has advised that they can be retrieved at the Parksville Operations Offices, located at 1116 Herring Gull Way.
