Newly constructed Beban Park recreation complex in March 1976, featuring Frank Crane Arena, the pool and social centre. (Image Credit: Nanaimo Community Archives)

By Ian Holmes

Beban Park

Nanaimo’s Beban Park celebrates 50 years with Family Day fun

Feb 16, 2026 | 5:25 AM

NANAIMO  — Serving as a community gathering hub for the past five decades, it’s only fitting this year’s Family Day festivities in Nanaimo are staged at Beban Park.

The City of Nanaimo is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beban Park recreation complex on the Monday, Feb. 16 holiday, with numerous free activities, including skating and swimming.

In 1976, Frank Crane Arena, the Beban Park Pool and Beban Park Social Centre opened, representing the centrepiece of the central Nanaimo property.

2026 Family Day itinerary at Beban Park. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

Damon Johnston, City of Nanaimo manager of recreation services, said the three facilities are vital community pillars for sport, recreation and culture.

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“These facilities have been and continue to be a legacy that brings the community together to connect,” Johnston told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Frank Crane Arena and the adjoining pool and social centre are among the home to the largest collection of indoor/outdoor recreational amenities in Nanaimo.

The City of Nanaimo acquired the Bowen Rd. property in 1953 for $50,000 by assuming control of the Beban family’s estate following a referendum. At the time, according to the City, the vast property included fields, woodland, and several homes.

Over the past 50 years the site’s amenities have incrementally grown, including an expanded Beban Park Fairgrounds, equestrian centre, playground, artificial sports fields, Cliff McNabb Arena, mountain bike amenities, Pitch and Putt and tennis/pickleball courts.

Beban Park Social Centre has hosted tens of thousands of community events, festivals, and a variety of private functions.

“When you step back and you look at what Beban Park is, it is such a special place — there’s just so much that happens here that supports community health and wellness; at the end of the day that’s what we do,” Johnston said.

At just under 130 acres, Beban Park is Nanaimo’s largest recreational amenity. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

He pointed to contributions of service clubs such as Altrusa, Gyro Club, Kinsmen, and Lions Club, among others, which provided integral support to add numerous amenities to Beban Park.

“We have to acknowledge the people that had the vision in the community to see Beban Park as an asset, and also the City and the mayors and councils that made the decisions to really support the growth of sports, recreation and culture in the community.”

While most complimentary City of Nanaimo Family Day festivities are taking place at Beban Park, free public swimming is also taking place at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A complete list of Nanaimo Family Day activities is listed here.

Meanwhile, the Regional District of Nanaimo is also celebrating Family Day with free skating at Oceanside Place in Parksville (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and swimming at Ravensong Pool in Qualicum Beach (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Frank Crane Arena has been the longtime home of the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers, as well as the Nanaimo Timbermen junior and minor lacrosse programs. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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