The top bench won first prize from the judges for its innovative design. (Facebook/McMillan Arts Centre/SOS)

By Spencer Sterritt

great view

New benches bringing vibrant colours to Oceanside region

Jun 20, 2021 | 5:55 AM

PARKSVILLE — Travellers and Oceanside residents will be able to sit and take in the amazing natural views while enjoying artistic creativity.

Thirty freshly painted benches, built by Ballenas Secondary students and painted by a wide variety of local artists, are being installed throughout the area. They were commissioned by the Parksville Chamber of Commerce, who worked with many partners on the project to highlight the areas creativity.

“It gives people an activity, something to feel proud about what’s in their community,” Chamber executive director Kim Burden told NanaimoNewsNOW. “It’s a unique piece people can talk about and take pictures with. I can just imagine the selfies of people sitting on the benches as they tour around.”

The youngest artist was 12-years-old.

The grand prize winning bench featured carvings across the wood. One had flip flops placed on the legs of the bench while another used fabric to make it feel like a beach chair.

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“It’s a real wide array and the talent level is phenomenal. I’m having a really hard time deciding which bench I want to bid on at auction,” Burden said.

The benches will be auctioned off in the fall, raising money for the Chamber, the McMillan Arts Centre and the Old School House Arts Centre.

Before being auctioned off, the benches will serve as wayfinders on self-guided tours through the area.

Parksville and Qualicum Beach will each have 10 new benches, with the remaining 10 scattered through the surrounding RDN areas.

“We wanted to create something that will take people throughout the community. We developed the self-guided tour to take people to Bowser, the Red Gap in Nanoose and both Parksville and Qualicum Beach to see what we offer.”

The benches are receiving their final coat of protective varnish and should be fully installed by the end of June.

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spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt