An artist's rendering of an outdoor performance arts stage at the Community Park in Parksville. (Parksville Beach Festival Society)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

BEACH THEATRE

Major donation helps fund outdoor theatre in Parksville Community Park

Dec 5, 2019 | 8:46 AM

PARKSVILLE — A significant donation brings the dream of an outdoor theatre in Parksville closer to reality.

The Island Coastal Economic Trust is supporting the effort of building the theatre in Parksville Community Park with a $204,000 contribution.

Cheryl Dill, president of the Parksville Beach Festival Society, said they were “ecstatic” to learn their application to the Trust was approved.

“Parksville Beach Festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors,” Dill said. “A permanent, professional outdoor theatre will enhance the quantity and quality of outdoor entertainment for visitors and residents.”

The facility, complete with lighting, sound and a retractable movie screen, will be owned and operated by the City of Parksville.

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It’s hoped the facility will draw additional tourism visits to central Vancouver Island and add to established events like the annual sand sculpture festival.

The formal community fundraising effort hopes to raise $1.2 million for the project.

With the Trust contribution, Dill said roughly $400,000 has been raised.

The Society and the City of Parksville have also applied for a federal community, culture and recreation grant.

If fundraising targets are hit, Dill said they hoped to have construction underway in spring 2020 and the groundbreaking in October.

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