Visitors encouraged to enjoy Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is encouraging locals to enjoy its open space areas during Parks Week.

Running from Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th March, Parks Weekis an annual event celebrating the important role parks play in contributing to the health of our communities.

Announcing that the Botanic Gardens would be celebrating with the help of Mackay Regional Council Libraries, Mackay Regional Councillor Ayril Pato advised “libraries will host a teddy bear’s picnic on the Tropical Sun Lawn at the Botanic Gardens on Friday 15th March.

“Parents can enjoy picture-perfect outdoor setting while their children sing along to all their favourite songs and stories.

“Council and the Botanic Gardens will also be running a Facebook competition, encouraging residents to share photos of themselves at their favourite park during Parks Week.

“Everyone who shares a photo to the social media post will go into the draw win a $30 National Geographic voucher.”

Residents can also attend free, regular activities at the Botanic Gardens, such as Parkrun at 7am every Saturday and Falun Gong meditation sessions on Saturdays, from 9am to 11am, as part of Parks Week.

Councillor Paton said there were 125 playgrounds and more than 300 parks in the Mackay region.

He added "parks help create stronger and more connected communities and council is committed to providing safe, inviting and interactive areas that the whole family can enjoy.

“In the last 18 months we have unveiled a new state-of-the-art playground at Queens Park and the long-awaited Sugar Bowl Mackay skate park.

“This year, we will continue to focus on upgrades to parks around the region.

“Work is scheduled to start on the revitalisation of Queens Park in April and Blacks Beach residents can also look forward to upgrades to Barber Park and Camilleri Street Park this year.

“Celebrate Parks Week by packing a picnic, taking your kids to their favourite playground or enjoying a leisurely walk or ride at one of the region’s parks and see what Mackay has to offer.”