City launches dark-sky viewing pilot project at Piper’s Lagoon Park

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 27, 2026 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department is pleased to announce the launch of a new dark-sky viewing pilot project at Piper’s Lagoon Park, recognized as one of the best locations in the city to experience the night sky.

Developed in partnership with the Nanaimo Astronomy Society, the project seeks to encourage public participation in night-sky viewing while raising awareness about the importance of minimizing light pollution in urban environments.

As part of the pilot, two viewing pads have been installed to provide stable and accessible areas for stargazing and telescope setup. Interpretive signage showing the night sky in all four seasons has also been added help visitors identify features such as the Big Dipper, the Belt of Orion and the North Star.

This initiative reflects a growing interest in dark-sky preservation and outdoor recreation opportunities within the community. Piper’s Lagoon Park offers unobstructed views and low ambient light levels, making it an ideal location for night-sky viewing.

Throughout the pilot, the City and its project partners will continue to monitor site usage, gather community feedback and evaluate opportunities for future enhancements. Long-term goals include pursuing formal Urban Star Park designation through the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, recognizing the City’s commitment to preserving dark skies.

Residents are encouraged to visit the park during evening hours to experience the night sky. The park will remain open until 11:00 p.m. until Oct. 31, 2026.

Link to Strategic Plan: The preservation and recognition of dark sky spaces aligns with the City’s Green Goals from Nanaimo ReImagined: City Plan and provides for additional passive recreation opportunities for residents.

Key Points

New dark-sky viewing pilot launched: The City of Nanaimo, in partnership with the Nanaimo Astronomy Society, has introduced a dark sky viewing pilot project at Piper’s Lagoon Park to promote stargazing and raise awareness about reducing light pollution.
Infrastructure supports public stargazing: The project includes accessible viewing pads and interpretive signage that helps visitors identify seasonal night sky features.
Long term dark sky vision: The City will monitor use and gather feedback during the pilot, with a long term goal of pursuing Urban Star Park designation and reinforcing Nanaimo’s commitment to dark sky preservation.

Quotes

"We're excited to work with the Nanaimo Astronomy Society to showcase Pipers Lagoon Park as a star gazing destination and to give people an opportunity to experience the night sky."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"It’s been a long term vision of the Nanaimo Astronomy Society to have a dedicated protected location where the general public can enjoy the night sky. Thanks to Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, that vision is now a reality."

Chris Boar

Secretary

Nanaimo Astronomy Society