Maroondah residents are being encouraged to explore and enjoy Maroondah's green and leafy open spaces during Parks Week 2021, running from 6 to 14 March.
Councillor Suzy Stojanovic, one of Council's representatives on the Maroondah Community Health and Wellbeing Committee, said there were numerous health benefits to immersing ourselves in local parks and nature.
"Parks are really important for the health and connectedness of a community. They are great places to relax, meet up with friends and family, interact with other people in your community, or to exercise and play. They are also important places for local plants and animals to call home," Cr Stojanovic said.
"Parks Week is all about reconnecting with nature. The simplest way to do this is to step outside your door and explore one of the 400-plus amazing parks and reserves that we have in Maroondah. It's an easy way for you to connect with your community while taking care of your physical and mental health," she said.
"One of the best things about living in Maroondah is that we are surrounded by green open spaces. So, during Parks Week, why not enjoy a picnic under a tree at McAlpin Reserve or take your dog for a play at Eastfield Dog Park. Or explore the amazing all-abilities kids' sensory play space at Wyreena Community Arts Centre," Cr Stojanovic said.
"For children and adults who feel anxious in new places, there are social scripts at Quambee Reserve and Glen Park Reserve. Social scripts use clear, everyday language and pictures to outline what you can see and do when visiting some of our parks and reserves," she added.
Nature enthusiasts can discover the incredible native plant life in Hochkins Ridge Flora Reserve or choose to meander along bushwalking trails at Warranwood Reserve.
There are also many new and improved playgrounds across the city, including Cobain Reserve in Ringwood, Waterloo Reserve Playspace in Heathmont, and Nangathan Reserve Playground in Croydon North featuring new playground equipment catering for a diverse range in ages and experience with accessible play elements, a half court for basketball or netball, plus new picnic and shelter area.
"Council's parks and reserves program is what keeps our parks attractive, interesting and accessible. For example, it has overseen the construction of the brand-new family-friendly playground with picnic shelter at Croydon's Barngeong Reserve, which links up to the popular Brushy Creek Trail," she said.
"The program has also overseen works to improve safety along the Tarralla Creek Trail. This has resulted in better visibility for cyclists and pedestrians on the shared path," Cr Stojanovic added.
See Council's Parks and Playgrounds page for an easy-to-use guide to the city's parks, reserves and amenities.
