The RM of Hanover is encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors this summer through its new “200 Hours Outside Challenge.”
The initiative invites residents to track the amount of time they spend outside throughout the season, whether that means visiting parks, going for walks, reading on the deck, or simply enjoying time outdoors.
Explore the community
Recreation Programmer Tayleigh Giesbrecht says the challenge is designed to motivate people to explore their communities while staying active.
“We wanted to provide an incentive to go outside for our residents,” says Giesbrecht. “The name of the game is just to be outside. The more you're outside, the more you can track hours and the better chance of winning a prize.”
Participants can record their outdoor hours using tracking sheets available at the RM of Hanover head office, the public works office, or online through the municipality’s Parks and Recreation page.
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Everyone can participate
The challenge includes prizes for both adults and children, along with a grand prize for the participant who logs the most outdoor hours.
Giesbrecht says one of the goals is to encourage residents to discover parks and green spaces they may not know exist.
“I hope people are able to meet their neighbors, but also explore their communities more because a lot of our communities have pocket parks that maybe not everyone knows about.”
All outdoor time counts
The challenge is open-ended when it comes to activities, with nearly any outdoor time counting toward the total.
“As long as you're outside, it counts,” Giesbrecht explains. “You can be reading a book on your deck in the sun and it counts.”
Among her favourite local spots to explore are Rosenthal Park, Grunthal Centennial Park and Tourond Creek.
Giesbrecht also highlights an upcoming June event called Walk in the Park, which will feature a guided tour led by the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District at Tourond Park.
While the challenge is only open to RM of Hanover residents, Giesbrecht says the broader message is simple: get outside, enjoy the summer and take time to appreciate local parks and trails.
-Written with files from Carly Koop.
