Love your regional parks with free events this Sunday
22 March 2010

Get out and about in your regional parks this Sunday (28 March) by getting involved in free Love You Regional Park Day 2010 special events.

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is holding free events on three of its popular regional parks.

Chair of the ARC’s Parks and Heritage Committee Cr Sandra Coney says this is an opportunity to celebrate how regional parks gave grown over the last 40 years.

“The ARC’s regional parks were paid for by Aucklanders and are for the enjoyment of all the people of this region,” she says.

“We’re very proud of the way the regional parks network has developed since the first park was purchased in the 1960’s. There are now 26 regional parks covering more than 40,000 hectares of native forest, farmland and coastal land.

“Love Your Regional Park Day 2010 is a chance to pack up the family, get out into our regional parks and appreciate what they have to offer,” says Cr Coney.

People can visit their local regional park or they can head for one of the three parks where special events are taking place. From a treasure hunt at Cascade Kauri in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and mountain biking at Mutukaroa Hamlins Hill Regional Park to kayaking and brunch on the beach at Tawhitokino Regional Park – there’s something for everyone.

Eco Treasure Hunt
Cascade Kauri, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
10am – 2pm
Meet eco superhero Agent Ani at the Ark in the Park tent and collect your treasure map. The map takes treasure hunters along the park’s Auckland City Walk to seek out the natural treasures that live in the Waitakere Ranges. At the end of the hunt children (aged 5-11) with completed maps will receive a bag of goodies from Agent Ani.

Make sure you clean your shoes before you come out to Cascade Kauri and take note of all the special measures to prevent the spread of kauri dieback in this area.

In the event of heavy rain this event will be cancelled.

Mountain biking Mutukaroa
Mutukaroa Hamlins Hill Regional Park
10am – 4pm
Explore stunning Mutukaroa and try out a temporary mountain bike trail similar to one we hope to establish permanently in the future. Bring your own mountain bike or your walking shoes and enjoy 360 degree views of the region from atop this urban oasis.

This event will go ahead rain or shine

Brunch on the beach
Tawhitokino Regional Park
9.30am – 11am
Kayak or hike your way to Tawhitokino Regional Park for brunch on the beach. Launch from your favourite spot (don’t forget to check the tides) or walk in to this secluded coastal park. Brunch will be served from 9.30am (until the food runs out!) and you’ll be able to explore this remote park before the tide comes in again.

Wind, rain or marine warnings may cause cancellation of this event.

A shuttle bus will run from Whitford Point playground (Kawakawa Bay) from 9am. Parking nearer the park is very limited.

For more information about Auckland Regional Parks Day 2010 on Sunday 28 March go to www.arc.govt.nz/parks or contact the ARC on 09 366 2000.

ENDS

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