Couple enjoying the sunset at Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County. (Photo: Justin Anderson / Rock 107)
Friday is all about celebrating positive human health and spending time with nature.
Healthy Parks Healthy People is a global movement that Ontario Parks are jumping on board with offering free day use and there are a variety of special events you can enjoy locally.
Carlin Thompson, the Children’s Programmer at Sandbanks Provincial Park says they are encouraging everyone to use and enjoy their trail system.
There are many great outdoor activities for the whole family happening at Sandbanks, North Beach and Prequ’ile parks too.
North Beach:
9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Community Volleyball will be set up on Lake Ontario Beach.
All day: Sand castle competition. Creations will be judged at 3 p.m. with first, second and third place prizes awarded.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park:
10 a.m.: Plover Lovers – Children’s Program – Join Laura at Beach 1 Parking Lot to find out why, and maybe even see a baby chick!
7 p.m.: Speaking of Wildlife – Canada’s largest wild animal outreach company will be at the Amphitheatre with some live wild mammals and birds. Come find out what shares the park with you and what they are doing.
Sandbanks Provincial Park:
10:00 a.m.: Marsh Madness Preschool Program – Join Carlin at the Amphitheatre to explore, observe, and discover Sandbanks’ Outlet River. Through song, story, puppets and play, the littlest members of your family will be engaged and informed by this preschool program.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Learn to Fish – Experience the thrill of landing your first catch! Learn fishing basics from knowledgeable and friendly instructors. Rods, reels, bait, and one day fishing licenses for adults are provided. Meet at the Woodyard and Rentals.
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Friends of Sandbanks Tent Sale – Gear up for your outdoor adventures! Take advantage of some great deals and support our Friends of Sandbanks at the Visitor Centre.
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Healthy Parks Trash Bash – Explore the beaches, trails, campsites, and roadsides, and pick up litter as you go. For every bag filled and dropped off at the Visitor Centre, receive a coupon for one free ice cream cone from Currah’s Park Store and Grill. Pick up garbage bags at Main Gate, Park Office, Visitor Centre, or Park Store. Drop off at Visitor Centre by 4:30 p.m. to receive your coupon.
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: OPP Children’s Safety Village and Bike Rodeo – Road safety has never been this fun! We are happy to welcome the OPP and their interactive and entertaining road safety program. Bring your bike to the Main Gate Parking Lot between 10 and 2 and test your skills at the Bike Rodea, or slide behind the wheel of a small electric police car and maneuver through a road safety course.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Feeding Time – Zac cordially invites you to a dinner party at the Visitor Centre. Well, at least a party to watch our animals eat dinner! Between 2 and 4 get hands on time with our animals, discover what calls Sandbanks home and why, then watch them eat.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Learn to Fish – Experience the thrill of landing your first catch! Join us to learn fishing basics from knowledgeable and friendly instructors. Rods, reels, bait, and one day fishing licenses for adults are provided. Meet at the Woodyard and Rentals.
Check out https://www.ontarioparks.com/hphp/events for a complete province wide listings.
