City and neighbourhood ensure future fruit harvests in Arbutus Park

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 21, 2015 10:00 AM

Summary

Fruit trees planted in Arbutus Park last fall are in bloom this spring. Last October, the City carried out a succession planting of new heritage fruit trees at the request of the neighbourhood who wished to see a portion of the park remain with the original intention of being an orchard.

Each fall neighbours harvest the fruit from the trees. For many years the neighbourhood has shared the bounty from the trees in the park each season and, with the new trees planted, can count on many more years of harvesting from their local park.

Link to Strategic Plan: Community Building Partnerships

Key Points

On October 29 and 30, 2014, the City of Nanaimo planted seven heritage fruit trees in Arbutus Park after consultation with park neighbours.
Neighbours of Arbutus Park volunteer to maintain the fruit trees by watering, pruning and gleening them.
Well before becoming a park, Arbutus Park was the site of an orchard.

Quotes

"Working with the community for the betterment of our parks is not only a priority for the City, it is also an enriching experience. Arbutus Park is a perfect example of the wonderful community spirit in Nanaimo."

Councillor Ian Thorpe

Parks and Recreation Commission

City of Nanaimo

"Arbutus Park has been the centre of our neighbourhood for many years. It's a place for children and families to gather and play, dogs to chase balls, potluck events and for apples to be harvested by anyone willing to put up a ladder! We are very appreciative of the City working with us to keep some of the history of this area alive."

Sally Ramsay

Resident

n/a

Quick Facts

The playground built in Arbutus Park in 2006 was part of a Volunteers in Parks (VIP) project coordinated by the surrounding neighbourhood.

Images

Arbutus Park

Arbutus Park neighbours in front of new heritage fruit tree planted last fall

Contact:

Gail Pasaluko

Horticulture Supervisor

City of Nanaimo

250-755-7540

gail.pasaluko@nanaimo.ca

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