Plenty on offer for community during Rotorua Parks Week 2018

Rotorua residents are spoilt for choice over the next week with a range of events and activities being held to celebrate local parks.

Rotorua Parks Week 2018 runs from tomorrow to next Sunday in parks around Rotorua.

Rotorua Lakes Council sport and recreation portfolio lead Charles Sturt said Rotorua's fantastic outdoor environment was one of the district's key strengths, with so many recreational areas right on the doorstep.

He said there was a huge variety of choices for locals and visitors, with everything from neighbourhood playgrounds, parks and youth spaces to lakeside reserves, geothermal parks, forest trails and sports facilities.

"Parks Week is a great way to celebrate all that and I'd encourage everyone to get along to some of the many events that are planned."

He said there had been a lot of work done to improve Rotorua's parks and reserves, and there was more proposed as could be seen in the consultation document for the council's proposed 2018-28 Long-term Plan.

"I encourage those who are passionate about our parks, reserves, open spaces and recreation facilities to give feedback on the proposed projects."

Many of the events are free, with a few costing a gold coin or non-perishable food item.

One of the events is Night Flicks presenting The Jungle Book outdoor film.

Night Flicks owner Matt O'Meeghan thought Parks Week was a great opportunity to launch his business.

"I think the outdoor movie is starting to pick up pace in New Zealand. I think it's a really cool opportunity."

He chose to screen The Jungle Book because he was looking for a family-friendly movie and went on a hunt for something that was probably a little less viewed.

He said Rotorua Parks Week was a great initiative and said a community defined by its interaction with each other and with a sustainable and safe place for people to meet was great.

For more information on Rotorua Parks Week events go to www.rotorualakescouncil.nz.

Rotorua Parks Week 2018:
Saturday, March 10: Puarenga Park Run, Rotorua Youth Centre Park Fiesta
Sunday, March 11: Punch N Pump
Monday, March 12: Twilight Sports in the Park - Kiwi Tag
Wednesday, March 14: Mums and Bubs Bootcamp, Play in the Park with Porse, Outdoor Kangatraining, Parks for Pooches
Thursday, March 15: Eastside Walking Group, Twilight Sports in the Park - Wr@p Freeparking, The Lake City Family Fun Run/Walk
Friday, March 16: Yoga in the Park, Twilight Sports in the Park - Social Netball, Parking Up Movies in the Park
Saturday, March 17: Parking Up Community Planting Sports and Activities, Twilight Sports in the Park - 3v3 Basketball, Night Flicks The Jungle Book outdoor film, Puarenga Park Run
Sunday, March 18: Community Hauora Day