Still Much To Enjoy In Vancouver's Parks During Labour Disruption

July 25, 2007 (No. 46) - There are still many opportunities to enjoy Vancouver's parks during the current civic labour disruption. Residents and visitors alike can find summer activities and attractions in over 200 neighbourhood and destination parks around the city.

The Park Board encourages citizens to think beyond their usual favourites places and discover hidden gems throughout the parks system. Now is a good time to come out and experience alternatives for family fun.

Some examples:

Hot days can be cooled down at a number of water parks including:

• Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park – staff have just opened this large popular spray park
• McLean Park in east Vancouver – a favourite spray park in the Strathcona area
• Harbour Green Park on the seawall at Coal Harbour – watch the float planes take off and land beside this busy spray park
• Dunbar's Chaldecott Park and Granville Island

Over 18 km of beaches are open and ready for picnics, swims, walks, volleyball, sailing and the other activities that make Vancouver summers special. Trout Lake's beach is a less well known treasure waiting to be discovered on the east side. Lifeguards are on duty at all beaches, and concessions and washrooms are open.

Stanley Park is open with a host of things to do such as:

• a day at the Vancouver Aquarium
• horse-drawn tour around the park
• a visit to one of the gift shops
• the free shuttle bus with more than a dozen stops
• fish and chips to go at any of the concessions
• fine dining on the green at Prospect Point Café, Stanley Park Pavilion, Sequoia Grill and The Fish House restaurants
• walking, blading or cycling the seawall (watch for detours)

Restaurants with dramatic views are also open in Queen Elizabeth Park (Seasons in the Park), VanDusen Garden (Shaughnessy's), Kitsilano Beach Park (The Watermark) and Harbour Green Park (Mill Marine Bistro).

Sports fields are open around the city for casual play and children's playgrounds are available in all neighborhoods.

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For more information contact Joyce Courtney, Manager of Communications, at 604-257-8699.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.