Although the sun has been a little reluctant to put on its hat so far this summer, getting outside is good for us. ‘Let’s Explore Our Great Outdoors’ is a new campaign designed to encourage anyone and everyone of all ages to take a few moments to look and see what is outdoors in Stockport.
There are literally hundreds of outdoor spaces waiting to be discovered, explored and enjoyed, on our doorsteps, from the town centre and across the borough: take time out in Viaduct Park; visit Vernon Parks open spaces; raise a smile at Happy Valley or wander along the pathways of the River Mersey.
The message is simple: whatever the weather, Stockport’s outdoor spaces are easily accessible, ready and waiting to be experienced. Whether it’s cycling, walking through one of the many parks or wandering along the canal paths, strolling through woods or meandering through fields or simply sitting on a bench taking in the view and people watching, ‘Let’s Explore Our Great Outdoors’ is a reminder to take time to breath in Stockport’s great outdoor places and spaces.
Coinciding with Love Parks week, a week-long celebration highlighting the vital role green spaces play in boosting the health and wellbeing of residents and communities, Let’s Enjoy Our Great Outdoors launches on 27th July in Merseyway shopping centre as part of the Summer of Sport programme. There will be crafts, pop up activities and the famous Merseybay, Merseyway’s outdoor beach, lots for the family to enjoy on the day.
Madeline Pilbury from Glossop, whose family are featured in the video, said:
“Stockport has some great outdoor places to visit and explore. As a family, we try to get outside as often as we can but our favourite place to go to is Bramhall Park. With two teenagers, and two younger kids, we can always find something for each one of us to enjoy.”
To encourage people to go outdoors and explore their area, onestockport.co.uk has a whole host of information about places to go and information on events that are happening across the borough.
Throughout the campaign, the website will be the main focus of attention and the primary portal of information. As well as finding about events, visitors to the website will be inspired by ideas and opportunities to boost participation, to interact and to engage.
With so many places to explore, open parks to visit, activities to do and ways to enjoy Stockport this summer, we’re asking our followers on Facebook and Instagram to share their outdoor experiences, and for everyone to tag us in their posts: #letsexploreourgreatoutdoors.
A toolkit is also available to download from the website
“Have you discovered a new walk? Which is your favourite park? Have you been dancing in the rain? Whatever and wherever you have been, we’d like to know.”
Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services at Stockport Council, said:
“Stockport is home to over 200+ public parks and playgrounds, undiscovered by many yet easily accessible and waiting to be explored. Let’s Explore Our Great Outdoors has been created to be fully inclusive.
“This is an opportunity to remind people that enjoying the outdoors doesn’t have to include green spaces; taking time out by sitting on a bench in their local area or in the shopping precinct can also be hugely beneficial for physical and mental wellbeing.
“I’m looking forward to joining in by taking time outdoors and look forward to seeing how our residents are choosing to enjoy their time outdoors.”
A series of mini campaigns to further encourage engagement will be promoted throughout the summer via social media channels and groups, supported by case studies and human-interest stories on the website.
For further information visit the website: Let’s Explore Our Great Outdoors
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