Port Macquarie offers ‘magical’ challenges through Parks Week

Families in Port Macquarie-Hastings are being encouraged to get out and about and join in the ‘Magical Park Challenge’ during Parks Week 2017.

Magical Park turns a normal playground into a digital fantasy land, and is a wonderful way for children to explore and enjoy new experiences by combining the fun of play with technology.

Using a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, two local playgrounds - Westport Park (including Livvi’s Place) in Port Macquarie and Bain Park in Wauchope - have been transformed into virtual reality worlds for children and families to explore.

Those wishing to get involved need to simply download the Magical Park app, with the virtual world being seen through the app once the magical park is entered.

Commenting this new way to promote interest in public parks, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council acting Director Liesa Davies stated “the game is a lot of fun, as kids explore a fantasy world where they have to herd kittens, run away from the bad fairy or come face to face with a giant T-Rex dinosaur.

“Combining outdoor play with technology can motivate kids to get off the couch and be more physically active, and as a result create healthy relationships with technology."

Developed by New Zealand company Geo AR Games, the Magical Park game is designed for kids between six and 11 years old, and each game takes between 30 and 60 minutes to play.

Davies added “we are extremely lucky to have so many parks and playgrounds available for community use across the Port Macquarie-Hastings, and Council encourages families to get active and experience these wonderful spaces during parks week.”

Parks Week run from today (Saturday 4th March) until Sunday 12th March.

To find out more about the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s parks, playground and reserves go to www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/parks

For more information on Parks Week go to www.parks-week.org 

Lower image shows Westport Park.

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