Love Parks Week is a yearly event encouraging people to visit, enjoy and take pride in their local parks and green spaces. What’s On found out what is happening in Kent.

More than a million people nationwide are expected to get out into Britain’s parks for hundreds of events for the seventh annual Love Parks Week.

This year’s national Love Parks Week runs until Sunday, July 29, leading up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Since its first year in 2006, the campaign has promoted thousands of events, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of parks and green spaces.

The week showcases the benefits they bring and this year Love Parks Week will be encouraging people to give their park a simple health check.

Paul Bramhill, of organisers GreenSpace, said that by holding an event in a park or by simply attending one, you will be helping to drive the message that our parks and green spaces are essential to healthy, happy and strong communities.

A Your Park page on the campaign website will let people submit photos of their park and fill in a park health check survey

He said: “As the benefits of parks have become more recognised, unfortunately the future of green space management is at risk.

“Local authority budgets are being dramatically reduced and we cannot expect community groups, that already identify they need more funding, training and volunteers, to be the only solution.

“Parks need to be properly financed to remain healthy – accessible, safe, lush, full of life, welcoming and a hub of the community. I cannot stress enough how important this year’s campaign is, please start to think about the future health of your park.”

The campaign hopes to grow on the success of last year’s numbers which achieved one million people taking part. Circus skills workshops, Nordic walking, art in the park, military fitness, and music and theatre performances were just some of the 1,200 events people attended.

Healthy approach to park life

Heart Research UK has produced these healthy picnic and fun ideas for people getting involved in Love Parks Week.

: Use wholemeal buns, loaves, pita or crispbread for a high fibre change to traditional picnic sandwiches.

: Pad out sandwiches with lettuce, cucumber and tomato instead of extra filling such as ham or cheese to boost your five-a-day while cutting down on salt and saturated fat.

: Swap snacks such as crisps for a handful of unsalted nuts which are high in protein, vitamins and minerals.

: Cut up a selection of vegetables to dip in hummous or salsa.

: Cold pasta can be perfect on a warm summer’s day. Try adding tuna or salmon and tinned sweetcorn with a little low-fat dressing or mayonnaise for a hearty lunch.

: Try a mixed bean salad with some low-fat French dressing.

: Make a colourful fresh fruit salad for a mouth-watering dessert and serve with low-fat yoghurt or crème fraîche.

: Take strawberries, raspberries, melon, grapes and pineapple for a refreshing sweet feast.

: Make it a posh picnic with a flask of iced tea complete with some slices of lemon for a refreshing sugar-free drink.

Love Parks games

One hour of moderate exercise can burn up to 600 calories. Why not take a ball (or roll up a pair of socks if you forgot one), the games can be endless and you’ll be surprised how much activity you can pack into an afternoon at the park?

A bike ride is a perfect way to soak up some sunshine and see the glorious gardens, lake and woods which your local park may have to offer.

Invest in a pedometer and take part in the 10,000 steps challenge. A brisk walk round the park will also help to keep your waist in check and maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Park that sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating and head off to your local park for a heart-healthy family day out. Love your park and your heart.

Three hidden gems well worth exploring

Dane John Gardens, take time to unwind in this lovely city park in the heart of Canterbury
Whatman Millennium Park, everything for a great family day out just half a mile from the centre of Maidstone
Kearsney Abbey, (pictured left) a favourite with picnickers, energetic children and model boat enthusiasts. Close to Dover town centre.

For more information on Love Parks Week including details of events and how to stage your own event visitwww.loveparksweek.org.uk