Five-foot-tall galvanized steel letters spelling out Nanaimo have been a new focal point at Maffeo Sutton Park for residents and "artists" alike. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

wipe off

New ‘NANAIMO’ sign survives two minor graffiti attempts

May 10, 2021 | 4:21 PM

NANAIMO — City crews are keeping a close eye on the latest addition to Maffeo Sutton Park.

Parks crews have actively monitored the “NANAIMO” sign since it was installed on April 29 and have twice removed writing from the face of the letters.

“City crews are in that park about four or five times a day, every time they’re there we check the sign and make sure it’s tickety-boo,” Charlotte Davis, manager of parks operations, told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Both instances involved writing from a Sharpie-style marker. While the sign doesn’t feature a specific anti-graffiti covering, its finish is designed to be able to withstand marking.

“Most of the time we are able to remove the graffiti with a regular graffiti wipe that most city staff have on them. It’s a very simple process…especially works well if we catch it quickly,” Davis said.

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She added pressure washing would be another option to remove more set or widespread graffiti.

No additional trips to the park were required to date, with crews handling any upkeep of the sign during their duties cleaning washrooms and emptying trash cans.

The sign cost the City around $57,000 and is expected to last at least 10 years with regular maintenance.

“(We’re) pleased to hear most of our parks users are really enjoying the sign,” Davis said. “It’s such a large thing, we are in the park, always patrolling and to make sure the park is as clean as possible.”

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