Assignment Editors: Special Events in Vancouver Parks

February 3, 2009 (No. 4) - 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.

False Creek 2010 Winter Games Step Out Walk Sunday, February 15th 1-3 pm Meet on the seawall on the southeast corner of False Creek, just south of Science World. Celebrate the one-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Games with a special Active Communities Vancouver walk and explore the changing skyline around Southeast False Creek and the Olympic and Paralympic Village. Hosted by the Park Board and the City of Vancouver, this scenic 3 km walk winds along False Creek's seawall past other landmarks such as Science World, BC Place Stadium and over the Cambie Street Bridge. It is part of the Active Communities Vancouver Step Out walking program to encourage and support Vancouverites to "Step It Up 20%". Special guests, dignitaries and athletes will be participating. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. A detour around the bridge stairs will be available for stroller and wheelchair participants. Participants will receive a commemorative brochure of the walk, a "Walking to Wellness" passport and a souvenir of the event. This event is free. Visit www.vancouverparks.ca for more details.

Children's Farmyard and Miniature Railway in Stanley Park open Saturdays & Sundays during February from 11 am-4 pm weather permitting. Discover the rainforest from the mini train and get up close and personal with our wide variety of domesticated animals! Visitors are advised to call 604-257-8531 before planning a family outing.

Walk With A Naturalist in the Hastings Park Sanctuary Saturday, February 28th at 9 am with Nature Vancouver's Adrian Grant-Duff. Meet at the northeast corner of the Hastings Park Sanctuary for this two hour, free, guided walk. Rain or shine. Sponsored by the Hastings Park Conservancy. This invitation is not extended to dogs. Ph. 604-255-9458.

Bird Walk at VanDusen Botanical Garden Saturday, February 7th at 10 am. Meet at the Garden entrance. Join Jeremy Gordon from Nature Vancouver for a beginners' birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Limited to the first 20 people. Free for Members or with Garden admission. Visit www.vandusengarden.org

Seedy Saturday at VanDusen Botanical Garden Saturday, February 28th 10 am-4 pm. Located at 37th Avenue & Oak Street in the Floral Hall. Heritage seeds for sale and swap, seed growers and special lectures. Admission by donation.

- 30 -

For more information contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 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.