It’s taken many years to get the park to where it is now, with many organizations involved, but Lawrence said now they have a real chance of providing fresh, cheap fruit, hands-on education and a new green space in the City.

“This is really an opportunity to see how this could work. This could be the beginning of a larger program we could develop.”

Nanaimo FoodShare has already looked at the land and Lawrence said they plan on using the park as part of their gleaning program, where volunteers pick fruit and vegetables from backyards and gardens which would otherwise be wasted.

Not just fruit trees were planted. Shrubs and bushes are also being added to complement the area and help bees and insect pollinate the area and turn it into a thriving forest.

“It’s gonna take some time,” Lawrence admitted. “It’s going to be about three or four years before we actually start seeing fruit.” Even though it will take some time to develop, Lawrence said there’s no time like the present to get the project underway and provide for a healthier future.

Funding for the trees came from BC Hydro.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit