Scavenger hunts, markets, sharing kai, outdoor yoga – sound good? Come along and celebrate our parks.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is launching into Parks Week 2023 by showcasing a collection of community activities that happen in our parks.

"We're excited to team up with community groups around the district for the celebrations," says a council spokesperson.

"[The] majority of events will be run by, or in partnership with these wonderful community groups who often play a role in caring for our green spaces."

It's going to be a big week getting to know our local parks. Parks week runs from March 4-12 and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have a jampacked calendar of community-led events that all celebrate parks.

These include:

• Opening of Waitekohekohe Recreational Park, Katikati
• Wander Dogs Walk and educational kōrero, Te Ara Kahikatea Walkway Te Puke
• Rongoa (traditional Māori medicine) in your local reserve, I'Anson Reserve
• Plant Sale, and guided tour of Te Puna Quarry Park
• Waihī Beach Sunday Market, Wilson Park Waihī Beach
• Haiku Hikoi, Haiku Park Katikati
• Kai in the Park, Jubilee Park Te Puke
• Puektoki Reserve walk and talk, Puketoki Reserve Whakamarama
• Outdoor yoga, Katikati Main Road park, behind the Arts Junction
• Pukehina Surf n Sand Autorama 2023, Midway Park Pukehina
• Maketu Spit beach clean up, Kaituna River Mouth

Check out all of the event details at westernbay.govt.nz/parks-week-2023

Find your own adventure

You can also enjoy Parks Week by doing your own self guided scavenger hunt in TECT Park, Te Puke, Te Puna, Katikati or Waihī Beach. Everyone who completes a treasure hunt worksheet during Parks Week can claim a prize from their local Western Bay library.

Scavenger hunt worksheets can be downloaded from westernbay.govt.nz/discover-your-district

Reserves and Facilities Manager Peter Watson says that parks occupy a special place in the hearts of our communities, and you can see that by the diversity of events happening in Parks Week.

'We've all shared a special moment in a park – kids birthday parties, walks with friends, sporting achievements, a community event – we use parks to gather in and connect with people and nature," says Peter.

'Parks are so important for our wellbeing, for our mental and physical health, for connecting our communities. Looking after these places on your behalf is our privilege.

'We're very grateful to these community groups for helping us to celebrate Parks Week. Whether it's by just showcasing their event or partnering with us to offer something special for this occasion – thank you.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council manage 222 reserves, 30 playgrounds, 32 sportsfields, 44 hard courts, six skate parks, 19 boat ramps and many kilometres of walking and cycling trails across the Western Bay.

You can also book the council reserves for events via their website.

Download a calendar of events for your fridge at westernbay.govt.nz/parks-week-2023

During Parks Week organisations across New Zealand and Australia hold events to celebrate the vital role parks play in creating liveable cities and thriving communities. For more information check out parks-week.org