Assignment Editors: Special Events in Vancouver Parks

January 4, 2010 (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 9 and Sunday January 10 from 10 am to 4 pm: Kerrisdale Community Ice Rink parking lot (East Boulevard north of 41st Avenue); Kits Beach parking lot (Cornwall and Arbutus Street); Sunset Beach upper parking lot (Pacific Boulevard and Broughton Street); Trout Lake Community Centre (Victoria Drive and 15th Avenue) Donations of cash and non-perishable food items will be distributed to local charities. Call 311 for more information.

HSBC VanDusen Family Program, Winter Scavenger Hunt VanDusen Botanical Garden January 31 Two sessions--10 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm. For families with children ages 5 – 11. Bundle up for a seasonal scavenger hunt around the Garden. Discover VanDusen's magic in the winter and make nature-inspired works of art with your favourite natural treasures that you collect along the way! Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $15 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604-718-5998 or familyprograms@vandusen.org.

Walk With A Naturalist in the Hastings Park Sanctuary Saturday, January 23 at 9 am. Join a naturalist 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.

8th Annual Investors Group Walk for Memories Stanley Park Sunday, January 31 Meet at Stanley Park Pavilion (next to Malkin Bowl), 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, (Registration: 12:00 pm) Support the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Join the walk and help transform the lives of the 64,000 individuals and families in B.C. who are living with dementia. For event information, call 604-681-6530 or go to alzhemier.bc.org.

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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.