Parks Week to highlight the value of parks and open spaces

Promoting the many benefits that parks and open spaces provide, Parks Week 2017 will once-again see councils and other organisations in Australia and New Zealand in running events to raise awareness on the value of parks and open spaces, and to get people out of their living rooms and enjoying outdoor activity.

Parks play a vital role in creating liveable cities and thriving communities and not only provide the  most frequented spaces for recreational activities but also offer opportunities for tourism and the social interaction that is vital for connected and resilient communities.

Set to take place from 4th to 12th March, Parks Week 2017, the New Zealand Recreation Association and Parks and Leisure Australia are inviting councils, organisations and communities to join the campaign and run their own Parks Week event.

With the extended 'week' taking in two weekends, the Parks Week website provides a range of resources and an events page to present and promote Parks Week events.

Commenting on Parks Week’s aims, Parks and Leisure Australia Chief Executive Mark Band explained “whether it’s a city park or a wilderness or bush setting, we want to recognise and celebrate the immense value parks provide for people to get out of their homes to exercise, unwind, and interact with others.

“The benefits of these spaces for physical and mental health, and in terms of economic wellbeing, cannot be overstated.”

With increasing urbanisation and restrictive budgetary choices, and with children becoming more sedentary, Band believes that it is more important than ever to stress the value of investing in open spaces, adding “when it comes to outdoor enjoyment, Australia and New Zealand have a great deal in common.

“It makes sense for us to be working more closely together, and to encourage entities such as local councils, sports trusts and private landowners to participate.”

“It makes sense for us to be working more closely together, and to encourage entities such as local councils, sports trusts and private landowners to participate.”

Parks Week is also linking with the Magical Park  augmented reality experience to offer parks a low-cost set-up free (initial cost of $150 plus $100 for each additional park).

This is backed by:

• Marketing tool kit to promote (imagery and signage graphics)
• Social and Mainstream Media coverage
• Data Insights – participation usage levels, feedback surveys

For more information go to www.parks-week.org

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