Large trees covered a primary path (Annie Clarks Way) at Neck Point Park on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 20. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

parks impacted

Brisk storm topples trees at Nanaimo parks, including prized fairy tree at Neck Point

Nov 21, 2024 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — Downed trees, blocked trails and destroyed playground equipment was the aftermath of an unusually powerful storm pummelling much of Vancouver Island.

Several large trees tumbled to the ground at north Nanaimo’s Neck Point Park, while several other parks sustained a similar fate, said the City of Nanaimo’s manager of parks operations Charlotte Davis.

One of Neck Point Park’s most popular trees, a gnome-themed fairy tree containing toys, was destroyed in the storm. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

With exposed coastline areas directly in the line of fire of vicious hurricane force southeast winds in the 100 kilometers an hour range late Tuesday night and into early Wednesday, the damage was noticeable in many Nanaimo parks.

Among the casualties was the popular “Give a little take a little” gnome door tree at Neck Point, which contained children toys.

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“Now things have calmed down in our treed parks, we’re getting in there and undertaking trails inspections and removal of fallen trees, of which there are several,” Davis told NanaimoNewsNOW Tuesday afternoon.

Davis said their treed gated parks were closed on Wednesday, with status changes to be updated on the City’s social media channels.

Fierce winds downed multiple large trees at Neck Point Park. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

She said Bowen Park also had several downed trees as a result of the storm.

“We do have a number of staff with hazard risk training working in our parks section and they’re definitely going to be making the opportunity to get out and do some tree assessments.”

A large tree crashed down on the playground equipment adjacent to Oliver Woods Community Centre, which is currently closed to the public.

A downed tree also damaged an exterior fence to a home on nearby Stillwater Way.

A piece of playground equipment was flattened by a large tree adjacent to Oliver Woods Community Centre. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Aside from frail trees falling, Davis said the public should keep an eye on rising streams in City parks and other secluded areas.

“We have some rapidly moving waters in our parks also. It’s just about being cautious and taking care of where you’re walking right now. Please stay out of any parks that are still gated and closed,” Davis said.

While damage appeared to be less severe at Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park, sections of the popular park’s trail network were impaired by fallen trees overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

City of Parksville manager of communications Deb Tardiff reported all of their parks were open and any areas of concern from downed trees had been flagged.

Regional District of Nanaimo officials announced the temporary closure on Wednesday of several forested parks and trail systems:

• Moorecroft Regional Park
• Englishman River Regional Park
• Benson Creek Falls Regional Park
• Mt. Benson Regional Park

Thousands of BC Hydro customers remain without power as a result of the most significant storm to hit the mid Island region since December 2018.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes