Assignment Editors: Special Events in Vancouver Parks

April 3, 2009 (No. 8) - 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, please go to the Park Board website at www.vancouverparks.ca  and look for Special Events under the For Your Information section.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival  Various Locations  March 16th  to April 24th. Enjoy the fourth annual city-wide cherry blossom celebration this spring which includes the Cherry Jam Downtown Concert, Plein-air Blossom Painting, Bike the Blossoms, Blossom Biology, Tree Talks and Walks and much more. Visit the website for the events calendar and locations at www.vcbf.ca for details.

Earth Day in Everett Crowley Park  Saturday, April 25th 11 am to 4 pm. This is the biggest, best ever Earth Day at Everett Crowley Park! Come celebrate sustainability through environmental stewardship. This event is Vancouver's longest running Earth Day celebration. Tree planting, educational exhibits, and lots of entertainment and kids' activities that include face painting, games, activities and more. Call 604-325-0163 for details.

Dawn Chorus Nature Walk in Hastings Park  Saturday, April 25th, 6 am, rain or shine. Join this special Earth Day event with naturalist Al Grass as your guide of the park's Sanctuary. These informative walks last approximately 2 hours. Over 100 species of birds have been identified in this urban wilderness. Learn about birds, plants, trees, flowers, aquatic life and more. Bring binoculars and cameras if you have them, but please leave your dog at home. Meet at the northeast corner of the Sanctuary. There is free parking off Renfrew Street opposite Pandora Street for visitors to the Sanctuary, or take the bus to Hastings and Renfrew Streets. Go to www.hastingspark.ca for details.

31st Annual VanDusen Botanical Garden Plant Sale Sunday, April 26th, 10 am to 4 pm. The sale of the year! Over 40,000 plants are available. Catalogues can be picked up in advance beginning April 1st from the Garden Cashier for $2. Visa/MasterCard, cheques and cash accepted. Bring a wheelbarrow and a friend. Free admission to the garden. Visit www.vandusengarden.org  for more information.

- 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.