Carrickfergus Borough gets set to love parks
16 July 2012
The people of Carrickfergus Borough and throughout the UK are showing how much they love their local parks by getting out and celebrating national Love Parks Week, which takes place between Saturday 21st and Sunday 29th July 2012, the week leading up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Councils Parks & Countryside Development Officer, Stephen Daye said "Love Parks Week encourages friends, families, the young and old, to come together and enjoy what our parks and green spaces offer. People must never forget that these spaces provide many opportunities for friendships, education, health, exercise and simple play and fun. Let's celebrate our green spaces, show you support for Love Parks Week."
"Love Parks Week is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the summer. We're celebrating all that parks have to offer, so why not visit your local park during the campaign to show what it means to you?
"Love Parks Week is the ultimate green campaign; it commands for our parks and green spaces to be supported and invested in, whilst delivering a whole week of free local outdoor events throughout the Borough, visit our website www.carrickfergus.org/loveparks to find out what's going on in a park near you."
"Events in the Borough range from Zumba to Moth and Butterfly Hunts and wildlife walks. We want these events to inspire people to get out and enjoy fresh air and fun outdoors."
Paul Bramhill, CEO of charity GreenSpace, highlights the importance of the campaign: "As the benefits of parks have become more recognised, unfortunately the future of green space management is at risk. Local authority budgets are being dramatically reduced and we cannot expect community groups, that already identify they need more funding, training and volunteers, to be the only solution. Parks need to be properly financed to remain healthy - accessible, safe, lush, full of life, welcoming and a hub of the community. I cannot stress enough how important this year's campaign is, please start to think about the future health of your park."
LOVE PARKS WEEK FREE EVENTS IN CARRICKFERGUS
- Moth Hunt on Saturday 21st July from 7pm in Eden Allotment Gardens. Come back the next day at 11am to identify the moths collected.
- Big Butterfly Hunt on Sunday 22nd July at 2pm in Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood.
- Zumba in the Park, Monday 23rd July, 7-8pm, in Shaftsbury Park (wet weather contingency: Jubilee Hall), admission free!
- Woodland Walk at Oakfield Glen & Bashfordsland Wood on Saturday 28th July at 2pm meeting in Oakfield Community Centre.
- Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet on Saturday 28th July in Shaftesbury Park. Gates open at 6.30pm. Show starts at 7.30pm
All events are FREE see event webpage for further details: www.carrickfergus.org/loveparks
Park facts for health:
- The difference in the weight gained for children living near green and non-green areas was 5.1kg for girls aged 16 years and 5.9kg for boys.
- Populations exposed to the greenest environments have the lowest levels of health inequality.
- Children living close to busy roads are more at risk for respiratory illness, including asthma.
- Access to quality green space decreases a person's blood pressure, cholesterol and stress, while increasing their ability to face problems and become involved in social activities.
- Daily gardening reduces the likelihood of developing dementia by 36%.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer
Telephone: 028 93358000
E-Mail: parks@carrickfergus.org
