Celebrating outstanding parks

Council Tokorangi Forest manager Julianne Wilkinson said this year's campaign message was Connect with Nature. Photo / APN

The Rotorua District Council is supporting Parks Week, which will be held across New Zealand and Australia next week.

The event celebrates the important role parks play in contributing to the health of communities, with a range of events being planned at parks across the two countries between March 3 and March 9.

Council Tokorangi Forest manager Julianne Wilkinson said this year's campaign message was Connect with Nature, which encouraged the community to get outside, make the most of the city's beautiful parks and green spaces, and connect with different facets of the natural environment.

"Visiting a local park is a great way to meet people and hold activities for whanau, friends and neighbours," she said.

"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 was leading the development of the council's sport and 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 council's 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."

Events during Parks Week

*Plunket Walking Group at Hannah's Bay Reserve on Tuesday, March 4 from 10.30am
*Otonga School Gala at Jackson Park on Thursday, March 6 from 5pm
*Off-Road Half Marathon at Whakarewarewa Forest on Sunday, March 9 from 9am
*Te Koutu Community Day at Karenga Park on Sunday March 9 from 11am
*Music at the Rotunda in the Government Gardens from 1pm