Parks Week 2023 celebrates role of parks in creating liveable cities and thriving communities

March 4, 2023

Environment / Parks / Recreation / Wellness /

Recreation Aotearoa and Parks Leisure Australia have officially announced the commencement of Parks Week 2023 which is being celebrated by hundreds of organisations across Australia and New Zealand.

Events are being held from 4th – 12th March 2023 to highlight the vital role parks play in creating liveable cities and thriving communities. Parks Week 2023 will focus on how spending time in parks and open spaces positively influences wellbeing.

Parks Week offers a reminder that with changing weather patterns and its impact on communities, there is no better time to embrace our open spaces and reap the benefits being outdoors (and away from screens) has on our health and wellbeing.

Parks Week is an opportunity for organisations across Australia and New Zealand to highlight the value parks have in our communities by hosting events, sharing stories, and celebrating the people who work to provide these spaces. It's also a great reminder for people to get out and explore their local parks and take time to focus on their wellbeing.

The Sunshine Coast is beaming with inviting green spaces that play a fundamental role in creating liveable cities and thriving communities.

Sunshine Coast Council is offering residents opportunities to plant native trees or become immersed in nature through low-cost outdoor yoga, meditation or Pilates.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the week provided a rare opportunity for people to unite to improve the area’s natural assets.

“Each tree planted will help provide food and habitat for our local wildlife and create more shade for park users,” Suarez said.

“They will also provide important environmental, social and economic benefits, such as sequestering carbon, producing oxygen, filtering pollutants and cooling our local surrounds.”

During Parks Week, Healthy Sunshine Coast encourages everyone to get active, have fun and meet new friends.

The program is an affordable and holistic community health and wellbeing initiative providing low-cost activities in some of council’s most beautiful park locations.