Maidenhead & Windsor

As the nation marks Love Parks Week (starting June 16) the message from the Maidenhead Royal Borough is that local residents love parks all year round!

With over 50 Maidenhead council-operated parks and open spaces of all shapes and sizes across the borough there is plenty of opportunity for people to enjoy the great outdoors and take advantage of the many events and entertainments organised throughout the year.

Summer means a packed programme of council run or supported events, with something for everyone including:

* the council’s 1319 Maidenhead holiday scheme for young people to run in various parks and venues from July 23

* Picnic in the Park at Bachelors Acre on July 29

* Family fun at the Ray Mill Trail Challenge on Ray Mill Island, Maidenhead, on July 29; to book call Braywick Nature Centre, Maidenhead day time bookings line on 01628796227

* the Royal Windsor Observation Wheel in the Thames-side Alexandra Gardens from June 30; for full details visit www.royalwindsorwheel.com

* barbeque, and skateboard and BMX competitions at Vansittart Skate Park, Windsor, on August 4; call Windsor Leisure Centre on 01753 850004 for full details or check out with the skate park attendant

* a family sports fun day in Osgood Park, Windsor, on August 11

* Summer Sounds on Bachelors Acre, Windsor, on August 18 and 19.

These are complemented by a host of community-run events, ranging from the famous Timbertown at Maidenhead Town Moor (August 24 – 28), to school sports days, fun fairs, dog shows and charity/community events.

The ever popular programme staged by the council’s countryside rangers at Braywick Nature Centre continues to focus family attention on conservation and protecting the natural environment including: a Tree-mendous Picnic on Sunday July 22, the Braywick Nature Fun Splash on August 8, Bats at Braywick on August 11 and Weird Wet Wotsits on August 2 and 14.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: “We are fortunate in the Royal Borough to have a wealth of parks and open spaces for everyone to enjoy. The council is staging a range of events for all the family this season and we are working with local and national organisations to bring even more entertainment to parks in the heart of our local communities.

“I hope residents of all ages will get out and about to enjoy the variety of what’s on offer. All we need is some really good weather to make the summer go with a swing.”

Details of what’s on in the borough’s parks and open spaces and at Braywick Nature Centre are available at www.rbwm.gov.uk

Love Parks Week is a national campaign to raise awareness about the central role that parks and green spaces play in communities across the country. It encourages people to get out discover just what is on offer in their local area. Further information is available at www.loveparksweek.org.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead