Letter - Victoria's smallest park

By Redner Jones

James Bay's Avalon Green Park, where Avalon Road meets Government Street, is Victoria's smallest park. How small? From curb to curb to curb, it is just 17 paces by 23 paces. That modest space holds a patch of lawn, two beds of flowers, shrubs, and a bench facing traffic and the historic James Bay Inn. Who knows why that seat was not installed facing in the opposite direction, towards the street of heritage houses and Beacon Hill Park two blocks away, with one's back to the traffic?

Defined as a pocket park, it could be enhanced with a litter bin (there is one across Government St. at the hotel but it, apparently, is too far away for some folks), and a small ornamental fountain.

Running water has a soothing effect, and if dogs could smile, they would do so. Moreover, a fountain would still bubble long after the flowers are finished. Avalon Green Park, small it may be, is an unusual amenity of James Bay, good for a laugh and some small change for a bet in the pub.