Love Parks Week – which this year runs until 2 August – is an annual national campaign run by Keep Britain Tidy which highlights the vital role green spaces play in boosting the health and wellbeing of residents and communities.
Hartlepool Borough Council is running events all week in Ward Jackson Park, Rossmere Park, Seaton Park, Burn Valley Gardens, on the Town Moor and on Seaton Carew main beach, in partnership with a number of town organisations.
The activities include the chance to have a go at outdoor bowls, a nature hunt, arts and crafts, beach volleyball, a day of lovely brass band music, basketball and football, traditional games and a chance to try Tai Chi and Qigong.
All the events are free and suitable for all ages. There’s no need to book.
Events include:
Wednesday, 29 July:
* Urban sport with Hartlepool Sport in the Lower Garden in Burn Valley Gardens, 11am-2pm.
* A nature hunt, painting and arts and crafts with Play Out Hartlepool on the big grass space next to the playground in Ward Jackson Park, 11am-2pm.
Thursday, 30 July:
Come and try Tai Chi and Qigong for health and wellbeing, with Mark Scanlon, on the grass between the café and bandstand in Ward Jackson Park, 10am-11am.
Friday, 31 July:
* Sports and play activities with Hartlepool Sport in Seaton Park in Station Lane, Seaton Carew, 11am-2pm.
Saturday, 1 August:
Come and try Tai Chi and Qigong for health and wellbeing, with Mark Scanlon, on the grass between the café and bandstand in Ward Jackson Park, 2pm-3pm.
Sunday, 2 August:
* Football and other games with Hartlepool Sport next to the play dome in Rossmere Park, 11am-2pm.
* Basketball with Hartlepool Sport on the Town Moor on the Headland, 11am-2pm.
* Beach volleyball with Hartlepool Sport on Seaton Carew main beach near the beach huts, 11am-2pm.
Councillor Rob Darby, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “Love Parks Week is a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors, try something new and make the most of the brilliant green spaces we have here in Hartlepool. Our parks and open spaces are at the heart of our communities, providing places where people can be active, connect with nature and spend quality time with family and friends.”
He added: “With everything from sports and games to arts, crafts and live music on offer, there really is something for everyone. I’d encourage residents of all ages to come along, get involved and discover just how much our local parks and open spaces have to offer.”
