A little park high on a hill already had spectacular views, and now it has some added meaning, too.
Glen Oaks Drive neighbours gathered Friday as an unnamed park was officially dedicated Wandl Park after Wilhelm Wandl, the first resident of the block, who died last July.
“He and his wife Marian took a caring interest in all of the neighbours…” said Dianne Kobe, Glen Oaks Drive resident. “[He] was always interested in projects that his neighbours had on the go.”
Mayor Bill McKay was on hand for the official dedication and said people like Wandl are cornerstones of the community.
“The neighbourhood’s not the same without that one individual that seems to be there whenever you need something, whether it was help with something or some advice,” he said.
Most of Wandl Park is only accessible by climbing up onto a rocky bluff, but the reward is views of Hammond Bay to the north and Departure Bay and Newcastle Channel to the south.
Alexa Wandl said her mother and father were originally attracted to the area because of the ocean views, trees and birds.
“I think my dad would be surprised, pleased and very honoured to have his name, the family name, attached to this parkland,” she said.
greg.sakaki@nanaimobulletin.com