Today is Parks Day!

Saturday, July 18, 2009 05:42 AM

VICTORIA - A nighttime light show, life-sized climate action board game, and Parks Day Jeopardy are just some of the fun and educational activities taking place today - Canada's Parks Day - in
B.C.'s provincial parks.

"Parks Day is a great time to explore the outdoors and discover more of B.C.'s spectacular provincial parks," said Environment Minister Barry Penner. "Not only is the BC Parks system important for conserving
wildlife and significant habitat, but it's also a great place for families to take part in fun and healthy activities. People of all ages will find an incredible range of things to do in our provincial parks."

Parks Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of July in every province and territory across the country. Parks Day activities include natural and cultural hikes, children's nature games, fun runs, marine
interpretation, scavenger hunts, nature slide shows, and a visit from our favorite park employee - Jerry the Moose.

Today, a number of provincial parks will be offering children ages four to 12 the opportunity to participate in the fourth annual Colour Your Parks Kid's Art Contest. Children will draw, paint or
colour pictures that will encourage other kids and their families to go to their favorite park. All entries must be received by Sept. 11, 2009.

In addition, B.C. Parks is hosting its iParks Youth Webcast Competition. To enter, youth ages 18 and under are to produce a one minute or less video webcast (podcast) answering the question:
"The people of the world are coming to B.C. next year. What would you tell them about your favourite B.C. park?" The top 10 webcasts will be posted on the B.C. Parks website for public viewing. Winners will be
chosen on Sept. 25 and be notified by the end of September 2009.

To find out which provincial parks are holding Parks Day events today and to learn more about the Colour Your Parks Kid's Art Contest and the iParks Youth Webcast Competition, please visit www.bcparks.ca.