Celebrating Parks Week in Cardinia Shire

Parks Week, which took place from 3 to 10 March, bringing together community members of all ages to celebrate the beauty of our local parks and promote outdoor activities.

This year's Parks Week was celebrated in the shire with a program of free activities designed to encourage the community to get outdoors, get active and reconnect with nature. From the energetic Aligned Leisure Fun Run on 2 March to the family-friendly Emerald Lake Park Family Day Out on 8 March, the week was filled with excitement and a sense of community spirit.  

Mayor of Cardinia Shire, Councillor Jack Kowarzik, expressed his delight at the community's participation. "Parks Week has once again proven to be a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our beautiful outdoor spaces", said Mayor Kowarzik. "The participation throughout the week was incredible, and it's amazing to see so many people engaging with nature and each other," he said. "Thank you to everyone who attended and to our local organisations and volunteers who made these activities possible."  

The week kicked off with the Cardinia Fun Run and Walk at Deep Creek Reserve, where over 375 participants embraced the fresh air and scenic surroundings while raising funds for The Cardinia Foundation to support vulnerable members of the community. 

Activity attendance throughout the week was strong, with families and individuals eager to participate in all that was on offer. Highlights of the week included:  

• Learn to ride a bike sessions for children, held at Ron Andrews Reserve, which taught kids how to ride safely and take care of their bikes. 
• The Doggy Day Out at Officer District Park was a hit amongst dogs and their owners, and the doggy family portraits were a crowd favourite. 
• Coffee with Community at Alma Treloar Reserve provided an informal setting for residents to engage with local safety and emergency service representatives, strengthening connections across the community. 

The week's activities ended with the Emerald Lake Park Family Day Out, where families enjoyed an exciting afternoon of fun and relaxation filled with entertainment, activities, and local food vendors.  

Cardinia Shire Council encourages the community to continue exploring and enjoying our local parks year-round. To learn more about local parks, walking tracks, and outdoor recreation areas in Cardinia Shire, visit outdoors.cardinia.vic.gov.au. 

Community members enjoying the Emerald Lake Park lunch by the lake.