Connect with your regional parks during Parks Week

14 February 2014

Connect with your regional parks during Parks Week

The third annual Parks Week will take place across New Zealand and Australia from 3 to 9 March to celebrate the important role our parks play in contributing to the health of our communities.

Environment Canterbury is one of the many organisations that is taking part in this year’s Parks Week, and has planned three free BBQs at the Waimakariri River Regional Park.

David Owen, Environment Canterbury Parks and Forests Team Leader, said many Cantabrians aren’t even aware of that nature’s playground is right on their own door-step.

“The Waimakariri River is not only of great ecological importance for the region, it also has immense economic and recreational significance.

“While the Waimakariri River Regional Park is popular among a good number of regular users, we are sure there are many more people that could be benefitting from the huge range of recreational activities it offers.

“Activities range through horse riding, mountain biking, four wheel driving, trailbiking, fishing jet boating, kayaking, rowing and sailing.

“Parks Week is all about encouraging the community to take ownership of our beautiful parks and green spaces by getting involved in one of our events, or organising their own special local event.

“We have organised three free BBQs at the Park to catch up with some of our regular users, but we also hope many new people will come along and have a chat with one of our Park Rangers about what is on offer and answer any questions you may have,” he said.

The free BBQs at the Waimakariri Regional Park are being held at three different recreational destinations within the Park on 8 and 9 March.

A free BBQ at the Ashley River will be held at a later date – details will be provided in due course - as some parts of the park are currently closed for repair works following the wind-storms late last year.

For more information on Canterbury’s Regional Parks visit www.ecan.govt.nz/parks .

For information on Parks Week visit http://www.parksforum.org/cms/pages/Parks-Week.html .

Parks Week free BBQs at the Waimakariri River Regional Park

McLeans Forest - Saturday 8 March, 11am – 1pm
Location: In the main oval area at McLeans Forest, off McLeans Island Road.

Information: McLeans Forest offers a range of activities including picnicking, mountain biking, walking and running. McLeans Forest is at McLeans Island which is also a recreation and leisure destination, includes golf, shooting, horse riding, paintball, and the Orana Wildlife Park.

Baynons Brake - Sunday 9 March, 11am – 1pm
Location: In the main horse float parking area, at the end of Baynons Road in Clarkville.
Information: Baynons Brake is a valuable natural and recreation area where you can relax and enjoy a range of activities from horse riding, mountain biking walking, picnicking and fishing.

Kaiapoi Island - Sunday 9 March, 1pm – 3pm
Location: In the motorcross area. Enter Kaiapoi Island off Main North Road, Kaiapoi or Taylors Road.

Information: Kaiapoi Island offers a range of activities from picnicking and mountain biking to walking and running.

ENDS

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