Cumberland Park in Chilliwack has been saved – for now.
The unofficial park, located on a residential lot in Sardis, has been taken off the market, a representative from the City of Chilliwack stated on June 18.
"We can confirm that due to the slow real estate market, the city will not be proceeding with the sale of 44692 Cumberland Avenue at this time," Jaimie Tocher, communications assistant with the city, wrote in an email to The Chilliwack Progress.
The property was purchased back in 1991 by the City of Chilliwack, and went up for sale on May 2 with a price tag of $679,900.
For 34 years, the treed lot, nestled between two houses on a cul-de-sac has sat vacant.
"To some, it may appear to be just an empty lot. But to the families who live nearby, it’s a place where kids ride bikes, build forts, explore nature, and experience the kind of free, outdoor play that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s screen-filled world," said resident Jilleen Anderson, back in May.
She and other neighbours started a petition to save the lot from being sold. As of June 18, 743 people had signed the online petition.
The park is home to 16 mature trees, is a "vital" green space for kids, provides a cool space in hot summer months for people to walk dogs, and the informal dirt track on the property provides a "unique and safe environment for children to learn and practice bike riding," resident Rob Brooks added.
"It’s more than land – it’s freedom, friendship, and childhood in its purest form," Anderson said.
