Most of the people who grew up in and around Oshawa remember Cullen Gardens and the quaint miniature village.
These little gems were iconic to the area, and when the city purchased them in 2007, there was hope they wouldn’t be forgotten. And since they were purchased for nearly $250,000, residents wanted to see something positive come of the purchase.
There was hope for the future.
But they have since been put up for sale with a hefty price tag of more than $200,000, which essentially puts them at the same value they were bought for.
But there really are no takers.
However, residents do seem to be offering up suggestions as to what to do with the little village.
Recently, there was an idea to move the collection to Parkwood Estate to reside amongst the gardens.
While the idea of moving the entire Cullen Garden Miniature Village was quickly shot down, the fact that residents are coming forward with ideas shows this little piece of Oshawa’s history does matter.
And while Parkwood isn’t the appropriate home for the village, maybe there is a spot in Oshawa that is. Or maybe it’s time to separate the village and place some in and around Oshawa in various museums, arenas, libraries and the like.
Clearly, something needs to be done.
And at the end of the day, anything would be better than where they currently sit now.
A storage facility may keep them dry, but it certainly doesn’t showcase them.
Perhaps it’s time the city re-examines the issue and takes a look at the options around the city.
Maybe it’s time to eat the cost of the village and make something of it before the miniatures turn into an even bigger problem.