Citizens are fed up after finding needles scattered around one of the mid-Island’s most popular parks.
Residents are upset after needles and other garbage was found left on and around a picnic table in Parksville Community Park, near the playground, on May 2.
A photo was posted on social media, showing the scene at the town’s signature waterfront destination, causing a stir from residents concerned for children playing in the park.
“That was feet away from our child’s playground so I snapped. I’m tired of it, everybody’s tired of it. We need to band together,” said longtime Parksville resident Deanna Breuker.
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The mess has prompted Breuker to organize a protest for May 13 at 9 a.m. outside Parksville city hall. She hopes the city will put funds toward a task force that could provide 24-hour patrolling.
“Today was it for a lot of people, seeing that and knowing the layout of how far that picture was taken and exactly how many feet that was from that playground… it’s created a huge stir,” Breuker said. “We’re hearing it’s happening everywhere but we can’t control everywhere, we can only worry about us here and make change, or try to.”
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Deb Tardiff, communications manager with the city, said once advised or made aware of needles on city property, staff evaluate the situation and will remove the needles or call in a bio-hazard contractor if necessary.
The city does provide sharps containers in all city-controlled public restrooms located at the Community Park, Springwood Park, Foster Park and the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre.
Tardiff said there are patrols of the community park on a regular basis, although none after 11 p.m. when the gates close.