Parks week to encourage locals to open spaces

People will be able to play the Magical Park app during Parks Week. Photo/Supplied

Locals will have the chance to take part in a digital fantasy world during Parks Week 2017.

Starting tomorrow, in Centennial Park, players can explore the park while immersed in a mixed reality game world.

Played on smart devices using the Magical Park app, the game is designed to encourage people to get outside and enjoy their local open spaces.

The purpose of Parks Week, from March 4 to 12, is to promote the benefits of Rotorua's parks and open spaces.

This weekend is Children's Weekend is taking place with two fun-filled days offering a wide range of free, family friendly activities.

Tomorrow the Rotorua Trails Trust is collaborating with Rotorua Lakes Council for a special working bee to clean up the Sulphur Bay section of Te Ara Ahi.

Those wanting to help are to meet at 8.30am behind MIGS Gym (Te Ngae Rd) near the Compost Plant.

The clean-up will go until 12pm and helpers are encouraged to wear sturdy clothing and shoes, and bring along some gloves.

Local organisations and community groups have organised other events to celebrate the many recreational spaces around Rotorua.

Next weekend the Eastside Whanau Day hosted by Mokoia Community Association will be a great opportunity for locals to find out what the development of the new Eastside Youth Space will look like.

Community-led manager Leigh Richards-Ward said the theme of the whanau day was "our community being child friendly".

"In many ways Parks Week is a way of celebrating the changes and what will be an awesome space for our youth and wider community. It has been a long project and it is exciting that the final stages will soon be underway."

"This is a chance for people to come down, join in some free activities and meet others from their neighbourhood."

For more information about Children's Weekend and Parks Week visit www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/whatson.

Other activities during Parks Week:
- Aorangi Childrens Day
- Ecotect Conservation Detection event
- Tai Chi in the Park
- Reeme Street twilight wetland working bee
- Lunchtime Art Picnic
- Yoga in the park
- Fitness class
- Fairy Picnic
- Girl Guides
- Family Concert at Hannah's Bay
- Kite Day
- Eastside Whanau Day
- Bay of Plenty Rugby League Junior Carnival