Victoria playground closed after potentially harmful mushroom found

A Fernwood area playground had to be shut down this morning after a potentially toxic mushroom was found during a routine inspection.

The mushroom that belongs to the Galerina genus and is considered to be one of the most poisonous found on Vancouver Island was found in the playground woodchips at Wesley Park on Bay and Empire Street.

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Director of communications for the city Katie Hamilton told Global News the inspection is fairly routine and toxic mushrooms is one of the things they look out for.

The closure is temporary and public access to the playground has been restricted.

Authorities will be removing the woodchips from the playground and replacing them as soon as possible.

This species of mushroom has not been located in a city park before and could be harmful if consumed by humans or pets.

Hamilton says the city has not received any complaints of illness related to the mushrooms.