I want to take my family on a picnic, but the place must be easily accessible and have a view of the ocean. Where should I go?
A stack of sandwiches and a container of potato salad are neatly tucked into a basket for a family picnic.
But where’s the best and most accessible spot in Nanaimo to enjoy a meal and get a fabulous view of the ocean?
Maffeo Sutton Park rises to the top among city parks that offer people accessibility, ocean views and numerous activities to while away the hours.
Kristy Tymos, a member of Access Nanaimo, said Maffeo Sutton is a great location for families to go.
The relatively flat landscape makes it an ideal location for people with walkers, scooters or wheelchairs to navigate the paths.
It also has central parking, public washrooms, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, a playground and plenty of benches for people who want to take a rest.
Kirsty MacDonald, parks and open spaces planner for the City of Nanaimo, said Maffeo Sutton is a destination that offers families plenty of activities to fill a day.
After enjoying a picnic in the park kids can make sand castles on the beach or comb for shells in Swy-a-Lana Lagoon. Or the family can enjoy a nice dip in the waters.
“You could spend a whole afternoon there quite easily,” said MacDonald.
The park’s paths are connected to the Harbourfront walkway, which offers pedestrians five kilometres of paved trail for walks.
It also features the Lions Pavilion, access to Newcastle Island by ferry and the Playdock playground.
reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com