Grantham’s parks are flinging open their gates to welcome in the public for a national celebration.
Events take place in all three of South Kesteven District Council-managed Green Flag parks in the town for Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Parks Week.
Nature Trails are mapped out at Wyndham and Queen Elizabeth parks – 10am-4pm – every day from Monday 28th July to Friday 1st August.
Free Guided Walks and Tours of Wyndham Park take place on the 29th and 31st 11am-12noon and 1.30pm-2.30pm.
Wyndham Park will be the venue for a free talk entitled ‘Life Under the Ripples’ by the charity Rivercare Grantham on the 29th – 10am-1pm – that focuses on river life, river clean ups and what goes into checking water quality.
A nature-themed Little Readers Book Club is on at the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre between 10am and 12noon on the 30th.
Lincolnshire County Council will be bringing sports to Wyndham Park for youngsters from 11am to 3pm on the 30th as part of its holiday activities programme.
The purpose is to run games and sports in a public area that are fun and easy for young people to replicate in their own free time with minimal equipment.
Activities will include football, rounders, capture the flag, kwik-cricket and tag rugby.
People can also turn up without a booking and play table tennis free of charge between 11am and 1pm on the 31st at Wyndham Park.
Community litter picks are happening at Wyndham and Queen Elizabeth parks between 11am and 3pm on the 29th and August 1st.
All events are free and there is no need to book a space.
Theatre production company Pantaloons brings a performance of Robin Hood to Dysart Park on Saturday, August 2nd – an example of the vast ways in which public open spaces can be used.
Described as a hilarious take on this timeless tale, the performance is at 5pm and costs £12 per adult, £6 a child – four and under free, senior citizens £10, and a family of two adults and two children, £30.
SKDC Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Stokes, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Join us for Love Parks Week. South Kesteven’s beautiful open spaces bring people together as places for joyful recreational activity alongside playing a vital environmental role.”
While none are running specific Love Parks Week events, beautiful family-oriented green spaces are open for the public to enjoy at Stamford Meadows and the town's Recreation Ground.
Bourne's parklands include Wellhead Park and Jubilee Meadow, Abbey Lawn and Elsea Park, while Glebe Park, John Eve Park and Jubilee Park are available in the Deepings.
As well as being great places to visit, relax or stay fit, parks play their part in combating climate change.
South Kesteven’s wildlife, habitats and ecosystems are vitally important, through their role in climate regulation and access to nature for health, wellbeing and recreation.
Earlier this year, for example, an area in Wyndham Park was identified to deliver an extensive biodiversity project.
The scheme introduced a multi-purpose wildflower meadow and tree planting initiative to the park. Following requests from residents, this space was fenced to provide a provide a secure off-lead exercise area for dogs.