Cardinia Shire Council will host a variety of free community activities throughout the Shire from Monday 3 to Monday 10 March to celebrate Parks Week.
‘Parks Week’ is a national event highlighting the importance of parks and outdoor spaces. To encourage the community to reconnect with nature, explore local parks, and participate in enjoyable outdoor activities council has organised free events for the community.
Join the celebration of the beauty and diversity of local parks. This special week is a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural wonders around us, participate in engaging activities, and connect with friends and family. Whether you want to take a scenic walk, enjoy a picnic, or participate in family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone.
Schedule of events
Find out more about what’s on offer this week. Activities are hosted by Council, Aligned Leisure and local community groups and businesses. These activities are family-friendly and designed to cater to all.
Sunday, 2 March
Aligned Leisure Fun Run
Where: Deep Creek Reserve, Pakenham
When: Sunday 2 March, 8am
Cost: Between $25-$40
More information: Contact Aligned Leisure at 5945 2888 or visit: cardinialeisure.com.au/cardinia-fun-run-walk-2025/
Order of events:
8am – Bib collection opens
9am – 10km Run
10am – 5km Run
10:30am 5km Walk – Prams & dogs welcome
Monday, 3 March
Koo Wee Rup Daytime walking group (all year round) (Heart Foundation Walking)
Where: Meet at the Koo Wee Rup Clock Towers/ bus interchange, Rossiter Road Koo Wee Rup
When: 9am
Cost: Free
More information: Enquiries to Marlene on 0429 814 410
Learn to ride a bike (ages 5-12)
Where: Ron Andrews Reserve (Clifford Drive), Pakenham
When: Monday 3 March, 4.30–5.30pm or 5.45–6.45pm
Cost: Free
More information: These one-hour sessions will teach kids aged 5 to 12 how to ride a bike, as well as how to stay safe and maintain their bicycles. Limited spaces for each session, pre-registeration required. Please note this reserve does not have public toilet facilities. Register here. Learn to ride a bike – AusCycling VIC – revolutioniseSPORT
Tuesday, 4 March
Toomuc Valley Walkers (Heart Foundation Walking)
Where: Meet at Rotary Park rotunda (Opposite Toomuc Valley Road) Pakenham
When: Tuesday 4 March 9.30am-10.30am
More information: Further information on page 15 Outlook-Community-Centre-Term-1-2025-Program-Guide.pdf
Pakenham Bushwalking Club Inc
Where: Lang Lang Foreshore to Jam Jerrup. Meet at car park at right hand end of Jetty Lane Lang Lang Beach
When: Tuesday 4 March 9am/9.15am start
More information: 7 km easy walk. Walk along the foreshore to Stockyard Point and Jam Jerrup community precinct. (It’s Shrove Tuesday so pancakes will be provided). Enquiries to Marlene on 0429 814 410
Officer District Park doggy afternoon
Where: Officer District Park, Officer
When: Tuesday 4 March, 4–6pm
Cost: Free
More information: Doggy Family Portraits; Professional photographer will capture photos of your family with your dog. You will receive one free digital image after editing. RSPCA dog behaviourist will be onsite to discuss dog behaviour issues. Compliance Officers will be available to any answer questions residents have regarding pet ownership, pet registration and animal behaviour. Beyond Obedience Dog Training will also demonstrate how to use the park’s dog agility equipment.
Wednesday, 5 March
Cardinia Wanderers (walks over 5km) (Heart Foundation Walking)
Where: Meet at Outlook, Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham
When: 9.30am
More information: Further information on page 15 Outlook-Community-Centre-Term-1-2025-Program-Guide.pdf
Coffee with Community
Where: Alma Treloar Reserve, Cockatoo
When: Wednesday 5 March, 5–7pm
Cost: Free
More information: Come and have a chat with police officers, SES, CFA, Council members, Ausnet and other safety partners to discuss community concerns and build connections. The Melbourne Stars truck will also be in attendance with activities for kids and giveaways.
Thursday, 6 March
Koo Wee Rup Daytime walking group (all year round)
Where: Meet at the Koo Wee Rup Clock Towers/ bus interchange, Rossiter Road Koo Wee Rup
When: 9.00am
More information: Enquiries to Marlene on 0429 814 410
Koo Wee Rup Evening Walkers
Where: Meet at the Koo Wee Rup Clock Towers/ bus interchange, Rossiter Road Koo Wee Rup
When: 7.00pm-8.00pm (during daylight saving)
More information: Enquiries to Marlene on 0429 814 410
Friday, 7 March
Marketplace Walkers (Heart Foundation Walking)
Where: Meet at Marketplace Pakenham, near the escalators.
When: 8.00am-9.00am
More information: Further information on page 15 Outlook-Community-Centre-Term-1-2025-Program-Guide.pdf
Saturday, 8 March
Emerald Lake Park lunch by the lake
Where: Emerald Lake Park, Emerald
When: Saturday, 8 March, 12–4pm
Cost: Free (except purchases from food vendors)
More information: Join us for an exciting afternoon of fun and relaxation! Kick off your experience with a lively Zumba class from 12:15pm to 1:00pm, located near the exercise equipment. After burning some calories, enjoy a delightful lunch by the lake—bring your own picnic or visit our food vendors for a variety of delicious options, as well as coffee from Barista On The Move. Get creative at our flower crown-making stall and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of local acoustic singer Lily Georgia, performing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. As the day winds down, don’t miss our closing pool party.
Other ways to enjoy our parks
Mindfulness Signage
Have you seen our new mindfulness signage in parks and reserves across the shire?
Signage has been installed at:
• BJ Wallis Gardens (Pakenham)
• Eastone Reserve (Pakenham)
• Emerald Lake Park (Emerald)
• Hicks Reserve/ Timbertop (Officer)
• Lakeside (Pakenham)
• PB Ronald Reserve in the library garden (Pakenham)
Scavenger hunt signs in parks
Scavenger hunt signs have been installed at 20 parks and reserves in Cardinia Shire. Follow the directions on the signs to enjoy hours of fun and exploring!
Parks where the signs are located:
Beaconsfield: Kath Roberts Reserve, Tantallon Boulevard Detention Basin Reserve, and O’Neil Road Recreation Reserve
Bunyip: Koolangarra Park
Cockatoo: Alma Treloar Reserve
Emerald: Puffing Billy Place Reserve
Garfield: Garfield Recreation Reserve
Gembrook: Gembrook Leisure Park and Redwood Road Reserve
Koo Wee Rup: Cochrane Park
Lang Lang: Dick Jones Park
Nar Nar Goon: Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve
Officer: Harmony Place Park and Kaduna Park playground
Pakenham: Ron Andrews Park, Deep Creek Reserve, PB Ronald Reserve, Lakeside Park (known as Dragon Park), and Don Jackson Reserve
Upper Beaconsfield: Keith Ewenson Park
Further information can be found here: Scavenger hunt signs in parks – Cardinia Shire Council
