Family Day activities and 50th anniversary of Beban Park

Celebrating a half century of family fun

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed January 30, 2026 12:05 PM

Summary

The City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture has a variety of free activities planned to celebrate both Family Day and 50 Years of Beban Park as part of the community on Monday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The day will consist of the following free activities with most events taking place at Beban Park (unless otherwise stated):

Welcome with Elder Lolly, dignitary speakers and cake cutting at 10 a.m. to celebrate 50 years of Beban Park in the Nanaimo community
Everyone Welcome Swimming at Beban Park Pool from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Everyone Welcome Swimming at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre from 12 to 5 p.m.
Everyone Welcome Skating at Frank Crane Arena from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. (sponsored by Tamara Kronis, MP Nanaimo-Ladysmith)
Stick 'n' Puck Skating at Cliff McNabb Arena from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Live entertainment with The Big Mess, Lavender & Lefty and Woodstick
Taiko Drumming with Shachihoko Taiko (Seven Potatoes Society)
Inflatables
Games
Arts and Crafts
Facepainting
Photo booth
Food trucks/concession on site
Activities at Beban Learning Gardens
Activities with BGC Central Vancouver Island (Beban House)
Vancouver Island Exhibition Train
Island Roots Market in the Centennial Building
Story Time with Miss Lynn (please pre-register for a session)
Pitch and Putt and driving range access and free golf lessons at Beban Park Golf Course from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (pre-pregister on our website)
Science exploration with Nanaimo Science
"Walking a Luminous Path" takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park from February 16 to March 16 and features art by local Indigenous creators illuminating the park's darker pathways

More information and registration details for the Story Time and Golf can be found on the Family Day event page on the City website.

Link to Strategic Plan: Providing free and low cost recreation activities supports a livable community.

Key Points

The B.C. Family Day events will also celebrate Beban Park's 50th anniversary. All events are free.
Most events will take place at Beban Park (not Oliver Woods as was in previous years) with the exception of additional swimming at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and "Walking a Luminous Path" taking place at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Quotes

"We’re thrilled to celebrate Family Day alongside the 50th anniversary of Beban Park. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring families together and honour Beban Park’s legacy as a cornerstone of our community. Join us for a variety of free activities as we mark this special occasion."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo