July 18, 2013

FREE PARK ENTRY THIS WEEKEND TO CELEBRATE CANADA'S PARKS DAY: MACKINTOSH

Manitobans are encouraged to enjoy a broad range of activities in the great outdoors with free entry to Manitoba’s provincial parks tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (July 19 to 21) in celebration of Canada’s Parks Day on July 20, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Manitoba’s many beautiful parks provide an excellent opportunity to create wonderful memories of good times with family and friends in a natural setting,” said Mackintosh.  “To encourage more people to visit and explore our parks, we are celebrating Canada’s Parks Day with free entry to all provincial parks this weekend.  We’re offering a variety of fun and educational events that will interest people of all ages.”
Mackintosh noted many of the planned activities highlight the important role parks play in protecting both cultural and natural values associated with parks including the history of these special places, critical habitat for species-at-risk, maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, and supporting human health and well-being.
Some Manitoba activities on Saturday include:

• campfire talk on the history of Birds Hill Park at 8:30 p.m.;
• interpretive amphitheatre presentation at Grand Beach at 9:30 p.m.;
• guided walk of Hecla Village at 3 p.m.;
• interpretive guided tour of historic homes in the St. Norbert area at 1 p.m.;
• play Parks Jeopardy and enjoy an interpretive amphitheatre presentation at Spruce Woods at
  9 p.m.; and
• campfire talk on the history of the Whiteshell at the Alfred Hole sanctuary in Rennie at 8 p.m.

Other special events in Manitoba parks include:

• Rivers – Parks Day prize draws;
• Bakers Narrows – youth natural resource officer for a day draw; and
• Clearwater Lake (Campers Cove Campground) – Parks Day activities and prize draws.

For more information on these and other Canada’s Parks Day events, visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/camping/info/parksday.html.

“Manitoba parks are among the greatest natural resources we have,” said Mackintosh.  “They benefit the environment, provide a natural habitat for plants and animals, and give people the opportunity to reconnect with peace and tranquility.  That’s why we are investing more than $100 million in park infrastructure by 2020 through our Building the Parks Province:  Manitoba’s Parks Strategy.”
For more information on the strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parksstrategy/.  For more information on parks in Manitoba or to book a campsite, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

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July 19, 2012

PROVINCE MARKS CANADA'S PARKS DAY WITH FREE PARK ENTRY: MACKINTOSH

Entry to Manitoba’s provincial parks is free this weekend in celebration of Canada’s Parks Day on July 21, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Thousands of people mark Canada’s Parks Day every year by taking part in fun, educational,
family-orientated events in parks and historic sites across the country,” said Mackintosh.  “To help families celebrate, entry to all provincial parks will be free this weekend and a number of interesting events will be held in parks around the province.”
The minister noted many of the planned activities will highlight the important role parks play in protecting critical habitat for species at risk, maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, and supporting human health and well-being.
Manitobans are encouraged to visit their favourite park or try someplace new. Some events happening at Manitoba provincial parks on July 21 are:

• Hecla Grindstone Provincial Park, 8 p.m. – learn about how parks play an important role in preserving Manitoba’s special creatures and places at the firepit near the marina;
• Bakers Narrows Provincial Park near Flin Flon, 1 to 2 p.m. – celebrate with cake and refreshments at the new picnic shelter in the campground area;
• Clearwater Lake Provincial Park, 12:30 p.m. – show off your creativity by decorating your bike or wagon and joining the parade at the Camper’s Cove campground office;
• Grand Beach Provincial Park, 8 to 9 p.m. – try some bannock and join in the campfire stories at the firepit near the amphitheatre; and
• Pinawa Dam Heritage Park, 10 a.m. – take a guided tour of the historic Pinawa Dam or participate in the in motion treasure hunt and explore on your own.

More information about Canada’s Parks Day celebrations is available at park offices or online at http://www.parksday.ca/.
“Canada’s Parks Day reminds us to celebrate the foresight and commitment of generations of Manitobans who have worked to support the creation and development of parks across our province,” said Mackintosh.  “We continue to make parks a priority and will continue to invest in initiatives that will further protect wilderness areas.”
The minister noted TomorrowNow: Manitoba’s Green Plan commits to adding up to 15 more parks, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas or other protected areas over the next eight years as well as expanding some current park boundaries.
In addition, capital investments in parks will result in new and improved campsites and modernized amenities, he said.  For more information on TomorrowNow, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan/.
To book a campsite or get more information on Manitoba provincial parks, visit: http://www.manitobaparks.com/.

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