Visitors to Nanaimo’s Neck Point Park are in for a treat this summer, thanks to some enchanting upgrades and a burst of new greenery. Dozens of new trees and hundreds of plants have been added to the popular park, making it even more beautiful for hikers, families, and nature lovers. One of the most delightful additions is a brand-new “fairy welcome home” — a charming wooden sculpture created by local artists to replace the beloved Giving Tree, which was lost in a 2023 windstorm.

Fairy houses have become a cherished tradition at Neck Point, especially along the informal “Fairy Lane” near Annie Clark Way.

The new fairy house, designed by local artist Charlie Pickard and carver Cameron Smith, with solar lighting added by Keith Cook, now sits where the park’s beloved “Giving Tree” once stood before it was sadly lost in a windstorm last year. Lovingly dubbed a “welcome tree,” this enchanting sculpture once again greets visitors near the parking lot.

These improvements were made in partnership with volunteers, local students, and the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust, as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the park’s environment while preserving its magical, family-friendly charm.

“To help preserve the park’s natural beauty and environmental integrity, visitors are kindly asked not to leave new fairy homes on trails or add non-organic materials such as glitter, plastic, or artificial decorations to existing ones,” reads a statement from the City.