A new public plaza is about to open on one of the oldest streets in Parksville and the city is ready to celebrate.
The City of Parksville will unveil a brand new 13,800 square-foot public plaza on Memorial Avenue at an official ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. on July 5. The ceremony, which is open to the public and free to attend, will include ribbon-cutting, music and cupcakes.
Located on Memorial Avenue between Alberni Highway, the new plaza will feature seating as well as space for food trucks and local vendors. The plaza is part of the Hirst Avenue West and Memorial Avenue upgrades project that includes a new streetscape, and improved irrigation. Also as part of the upgrades, the traffic pattern on Memorial Avenue has been changed to one-way heading eastbound.
“With this project, Memorial Avenue is transformed from a primarily vehicular corridor to a true people place, complementing the vision for Parksville’s downtown to encourage increased use by residents and visitors and support economic activity,” Parksville mayor Ed Mayne in a press release.
Memorial Avenue is one of the oldest streets in Parksville and serves as a living monument to the community’s fallen First World War soldiers. In 1922, memorial elm trees were planted along the street. Later this year, new elm trees will be planted along the street, according to the City of Parksville.
Nicholas Pescod
