Waipā celebrates Parks Week

Waipā will celebrate its 200 parks and open spaces next week as part of a national campaign to recognise the vital role these areas play in maintaining healthy and liveable communities.

Parks Week is a chance for councils and organisations across the country to promote and encourage the use of these spaces.

In Waipā it will be celebrated from 6-14 March with displays celebrating key Waipā parks at both libraries, and a photo competition where residents can enter their best park shots to be in to win a $100 Prezzy card.

Waipā District Council community services manager Sally Sheedy said it was important to take the time to recognise and celebrate our green spaces, and remind people to get out and about to enjoy what Waipā has to offer.

“Parks week provides an opportunity to showcase our many parks and reserves within the district, helps to bring awareness to what we have on our backdoor step and encourages mental and physical wellbeing.

“Spending just two hours a week in a park or reserve is an antidote for stress, and this year more than any other year we need to be make positive changes to promote calm and lift our moods.

“We have some truly incredible spaces here in Waipā spanning 4,000 hectares – that’s a huge amount of space we have dedicated to open spaces for people to enjoy.”

Throughout the week, parks including Lake Te Koo Utu and Victoria Square in Cambridge and Pirongia Forest Park in Pirongia will be highlighted via online and in-person displays.

Residents will also be able to take part in the ‘Snap-a-park’ photo competition from Saturday 6 March and submit their best shots of their favourite parks, playgrounds and reserves in Waipā. There are three categories:

• Out There - for the photos that make you go ‘wow’,
• Playgrounds - for shots which capture the happiness created when playing, and
• Urban and Rural Reserves – for photos that capture the diversity of Waipā’s reserves.

Entries can be submitted via Council’s Facebook or Instagram pages or by emailing competitions@waipadc.govt.nz with the photo category in the subject line.

Sheedy encouraged all residents make time during Parks Week to head to a local park or reserve and have a go at the competition.

“We are really looking forward to seeing some of the amazing shots residents take of our parks, playground and reserves.”

The competition closes at 5pm, Sunday 14 March and winners will be notified by Monday 29 March..

More information about how to enter the ‘Snap-a-park’ photo competition can be found at www.waipadc.govt.nz/snapapark.