Assignment Editors: Special Events in Vancouver Parks

January 2, 2009 (No. 1) - Vancouver Parks host a diverse range of cultural events and outdoor activities. Listed below are some upcoming special events facilitated by the Vancouver Park Board. For information about other events on parks, please go to the Park Board website at www.vancouverparks.ca and look for Special Events under the For Your Information section.

Christmas Tree Chipping at various locations Saturday, January 10th and Sunday, January 11th  from 10 am to 4 pm:  Kerrisdale Community Ice Rink parking lot (East Boulevard north of 41st Avenue); Kits Beach parking lot (Cornwall Avenue and Arbutus Street); Sunset Beach upper parking lot (Pacific Boulevard and Broughton Street); Trout Lake Community Centre (Victoria Drive and East 15th Avenue) Donations of cash and non-perishable food items will be distributed to local charities. Call the Recycling Hotline at 604-326-4600.

Guided Walking Tours at VanDusen Botanical Garden every Sunday at 2 pm at 37th Avenue and Oak Street. Specially trained volunteer guides lead garden walks. Meet at the Information Desk on the deck. Rain or shine. Free with admission to the garden or for members. Visit www.vandusengarden.org for more information.

Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park. Escape the winter weather and step into the warm atmosphere of a tropical jungle. Wonderful free-flying birds, koi fish and parrots set off the lush landscape and perfumed air. Open daily 10 am - 5 pm. Phone 604-257-8556 for more information.

Walk With A Naturalist in the Hastings Park Sanctuary Saturday, January 24th at 9 am. Join a naturalist at the northeast corner of the Hastings Park Sanctuary for this two hour, free guided walk with biologist Pat Miller. Rain or shine. Sponsored by the Hastings Park Conservancy. This invitation is not extended to dogs. Ph. 604-255-9458.

7th Annual Investors Group Walk for Memories Sunday, January 25, 2009, Stanley Park Pavilion (next to Malkin Bowl), Stanley Park  1 pm - 3 pm (Registration: 12:00 pm). Support the Alzheimer Society of BC. Join the walk and help transform the lives of the 64,000 individuals and families in BC who are living with dementia. For event information, call 604-681-6530 or go to www.alzheimerbc.org .

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Contact: Carol DeFina, Communication Coordinator, 604-257-8440.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 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.