News Release
Thursday 27 February 2014
Parks Week set to connect locals with nature
Rotorua District Council is supporting the annual Parks Week taking place across New Zealand and Australia from 3 to 9
March.
The event celebrates the important role that parks play in contributing to the health of communities, with a range of
events being planned at parks throughout the two countries.
RDC Tokorangi Forest manager, Julianne Wilkinson, said this year’s campaign message is ‘Connect with Nature’, which
encourages the community to get outside, make the most of our beautiful parks and green spaces, and connect with
different facets of our natural environment.
“Visiting a local park is a great way to meet people and hold activities for whanau, friends and neighbours.
“We have some awesome parks in Rotorua, and this is the week where everyone in our community should take ownership of
the beautiful parks and green spaces our city has to offer.”
Deputy mayor Dave Donaldson, who is leading the development of Council’s Sport & Recreation strategy, said Parks Week was a time to celebrate the outstanding places residents have to play in and the
surrounding recreation opportunities on offer, both cornerstones of the Rotorua 2030 vision and goals.
“I urge Rotorua locals to get involved in events and activities taking place over Parks Week, or simply take the
opportunity to visit a local park and enjoy quality time with family and friends.”
Local events happening during Park Week include Plunket Walking Group at Hannah’s Bay Reserve on Tuesday [4 March] at
10.30am; Otonga School Gala at Jackson Park on Thursday [6 March] from 5pm; Off-Road ½ Marathon at Whakarewarewa Forest
on Sunday from 9am; Te Koutu Community Day at Karenga Park on Sunday [9 March] from11am; and Music at the Rotunda at
Government Gardens from 1pm.
ENDS