​Parks Week – an exercise in local and national wellbeing

Central Otago will celebrate its parks and open spaces in the next week as part of a national campaign #ParksWeek2024.

Parks Week is an Australasian-wide event that encourages people to get out and enjoy their parks, with a focus this year on how spending time in our parks and open spaces positively influences our wellbeing.

The Central Otago District Council Park Team, in association with Sport Otago, are in the process of organising events to coincide with Parks Week, happening from 2-10 March.

“Our local parks offer something for everyone. Playgrounds for all ages, shared paths, beautiful picnic spots and much more,” CODC Parks Officer Maria Burnett said.

“Whether you want to head to an old favourite or check out somewhere new, Parks Week is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy what our parks have to offer.”

Events such as yoga in the park, a games day in Ophir and story time in the park, are just some of the ideas being organised.

“Watch this space,” Ms Burnett said, “we’ll be keeping the community informed of what’s planned.”

CODC Parks and Recreation Manager said the event also highlighted the vital role our reserves played in our lives.

"Parks and open spaces add to the fabric of our community by providing space for recreation both active and passive. They assist with climate change by creating carbon sinks, shade and green oasis in our increasingly built-up environments. They are providing habitat for birds and insects and refuge for plants both native and indigenous."

Check out the Council website homepage Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz) under Events and our Facebook page this week for details.