‘Love Parks Week’ is back, taking place from the July 30 to the August 4, giving people across the borough the chance to shout about our wonderful green spaces and celebrate the beauty on our doorsteps with a jam-packed programme of free activities and events, designed to appeal to all ages and interests.
Celebrations get off to a high-flying start with parkour sessions hosted at the urban sports facility in Solitude Park, Banbridge. This gravity-defying urban sport is aimed at the daredevils amongst us, with the challenge of getting from one point to another in the most fluid way possible. Participants use running, jumping, climbing, and a vast array of specialist movements to overcome obstacles while building strength, power, fitness, and endurance.
Only £2 per person, parkour sessions run from 2pm to 5pm and must be pre-booked online.
There is plenty of outdoor orienteering adventure in Armagh on Sunday July 30 as Lagan Valley Orienteers return to help us navigate our way around Gosford Forest Park. The Gosford Sunday Summer O series proving again to be a popular highlight of the sunny season!
On Monday July 30, at 7pm, Jim Conway of the AE Russell Society will lead a special free walk through Lurgan Park, celebrating the Lurgan-born artist, journalist, poet and writer George ‘AE’ Russell and the importance of this magical park in his childhood years.
There will also be a free evening historical walk for families in Lurgan Park on Tuesday August 1. Join a local historian and learn about the history of the park, once the garden of the Brownlow Family, and finally discover the origin of the saying ‘a face as long as a Lurgan spade!’
Meeting at Brownlow House in Lurgan Park on Wednesday August 2, another walking tour will take participants on a journey through time, as told through the diverse building stones seen in the many landmark buildings including Brownlow House, Shankill Parish Church, the War Memorial and St. Peter’s Parish Church. Participants will find out about Lurgan’s underlying geology, and the origins of the building stone used in many of the town’s historic buildings.
Suitable for 8+ years, head to South Lake Watersports for a special 2 hour Love Parks Climbing, Cycling and Battlebows package on Tuesday August 1. Alternatively, those aged 10+ years can discover the beauty of Craigavon City Park by taking to the water for 1 hour paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing taster sessions at a Love Parks discounted rate!
Be the first to download the new ExploreABC app and enjoy fun and games in Lurgan Park and Solitude Park. The ABC Parks and Open Spaces team will be on hand to point you in the right direction as you embark on guided walking tours of the two new audio trails!
Encouraging adults and children to get outdoors and reconnect with nature, other free activities taking place during Love Parks Week 2023 include bushcraft sessions, forest school tasters, chi me sessions, tours of Tannaghmore Farm, tree study and nature activities, traditional playground games and scavenger hunts, an archaeology taster, storytelling and craft!
All the activities on offer need to be booked as spaces are limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Visit getactiveabc.com/loveparksweekabc
A highlight of the week will be National Play Day celebrations in Scarva Park on Wednesday August 2.
Join the ABC Play Development team in this popular park and find out how exciting play can happen anywhere on a shoestring budget! Booking is not required for this fun event.
Now your only dilemma – deciding how you will celebrate Love Parks Week 2023!
