Ontario Government Offering Free Admission to Provincial Parks July 19

To mark Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, Ontario government is offering free day-use access to provincial parks on July 19 announced on Monday.

The Ontario government is enhancing those recreational opportunities by building 300 new campsites and bringing electrical services to 800 existing campsites at several parks throughout the province. File Photo.

This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote health benefits of getting outside with nature according to a press release.

“I invite all Ontarians to take advantage of this free pass to Ontario Parks, an opportunity to immerse yourselves in the joy and wonder of exploring the great outdoors,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Whether you’re looking to get some exercise or seeking a fun and affordable day with your family, I hope this free day will give more people the opportunity to explore everything that their local provincial park has to offer.”

Several programs and facilities offer hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming and more.

Throughout the summer, Ontario Parks offers numerous ways to engage with nature including:

• In-park Discovery Programs which allow kids and adults to gain confidence in nature and around wildlife through activities such as guided hikes to explore a new trail and other educational programs.

• The 30x30 Nature Challenge to encourage people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of August.

• Take a Hike Day on August 10, providing guided hikes at provincial parks around the province. Visitors can join in on one of the many events happening across the province.

To ensure access to Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, visitors are encouraged to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days before the celebration, at no charge, for the 75 parks that offer this service.

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Ontario Government Offering Free Access to Provincial Parks For Healthy Parks Healthy People Day On Friday

For Healthy Parks Healthy People Day on Friday, the Ontario Government is allowing free access to use provincial parks announced on Tuesday.

File photo.

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, David Piccini made the announcement on behalf of the provincial government.

“Ontario Parks is once again offering free day-use access to provincial parks to celebrate Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, said Piccini. “This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote the incredible health benefits of getting outside in nature. Studies show spending time in nature can improve our mental, physical, and social well-being, including lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem and reduced anxiety.”

Ontario Parks is offering the following ways to engage with nature including the following upcoming events:

• The 30x30 Challenge to encourage people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of August

• Take a Hike Day on Aug. 9, a brand-new event this year offering guided hikes at provincial parks around the province.

“As the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, I encourage all Ontarians to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, immerse themselves in the splendour of nature and experience first-hand the restorative power of our provincial parks,” said Piccini.

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Ontario Parks Opens For Day-Use On Monday

Premier Doug Ford has announced that Ontario Parks will be opening over 520 parks and conservations for day-use on Monday, May 11th and that operational parks will open on Friday.

This means that parks such as Serpent Mounds will be open for walking, hiking, and birdwatching, while parks such as Emily Provincial Park and Mark S. Burnham will open on May 15th. The opening for camping reservations will be announced at a later date.

Day-use will also be free until May 31st.

—by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada.com

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Ontario Parks Recognizes Three Peterborough Student Employees For Outstanding Performance

The 12th annual Ontario Parks Partners Bursary program recognizes Ontario Parks students who "excel in their jobs by demonstrating a high level of initiative, dedication, volunteerism and customer service."

Forty students recently received $500 educational bursaries for their outstanding performance as Ontario Parks summer employees, including three from Peterborough. They are:

Mackenzie Green – University of Ottawa – Algonquin Park

Naythan Murtha – University of Guelph – Bon Echo Park

Kevin Obbard – University of Waterloo – Algonquin Park

Congratulations to all, and remember that Ontario Parks is the largest employer of students in the Ontario Public Service—hiring more than 1,800 students each summer.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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