Spring 2015 Recreation Reporter

CourtenayRecreation

UtilityBox Painting inCourtenayParks &Streets

SimmsParkBox paintedbyBarbMareck

Parks

Someplainmetal utilityboxes inCourtenaygot a freshnew look in2014 thanks to theworkof local artists. The transformationof boxeswas a collaboration between theCityof Courtenayand theComox ValleyCommunityArtsCouncil. Dallas Stevenson, ExecutiveDirector of the ComoxValleyArtsCouncil, said theproject has numerousbenefits for the community, “The paintedboxes energizepublicareas, createa feelingof pride inour community, create dialogue, andengagepeopleof all ages.” Thepaintedboxeshaveanother important ben- efit: theydeter graffiti andvandalism, as taggers generallydonot damageartwork. At SimmsPark, theutilitybox featuresmusical notes and instruments inbright orangeandcool blueandwaspaintedanddesignedbyartist Barb Mareck.

For more information on this project or others within the City of Courtenay please contact communityservices@courtenay.ca or call 250-334-4441 Visit the Comox Valley Art Council’s website for project details: www.comoxvalleyarts.com “Itwas suchapleasure topaint at SimmsPark” commentedMareck, “Everyonepassingbywas so supportive,many comingbackdaily tosee the progress. It reinforcedwithmehow important the UtilityBoxPaintingproject is toour community.” Another box locatedat FitzgeraldAvenueandeighth street, paintedbyartist TeresaL’Hirondelle, is an ocean themewithbright anemones andsea stars. Thenewlypaintedboxes joinanumber of other utilityboxespainted inCourtenay inprevious years.

Courtenay Recreation

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250-338-5371 250-338-1000 www.courtenay.ca