Events and activities mark Whiteman Park's 25th

• Twenty-five days of open days and events to mark anniversary
• Site is one of the world's biggest metropolitan parks
• The recreation and conservation reserve attracts 920,000 visits a year

Planning Minister John Day will today launch the Turning 25: The Importance of Whiteman Park exhibition to celebrate the park's 25th anniversary.

Mr Day said the exhibition tells the full, yet-to-be-told story of Whiteman Park.

"The exhibition acknowledges the importance of Whiteman Park's history; how it came to be, how it has developed over the past quarter of a century, and its importance for the people of Western Australia into the future," he said.

"Twenty-five days of activities are planned across September and October to mark the milestone highlighting all Whiteman Park's attractions and the reasons it receives more than 920,000 visits annually.

"The activities, to be held under the banner of '25 days of...', include a series of open days and events that explore conservation initiatives such as the Woodland Reserve and Carnaby's Black Cockatoo habitat revitalisation.

The Minister described Whiteman Park as a unique recreation and conservation reserve and, at 4,000 hectares, one of the world's biggest metropolitan parks.

"Whiteman Park is a fabulous recreational facility set in natural bushland and I am confident it will continue to be an integral part of the community for many generations to come," he said.

"The park plays an important role in highlighting the State's land transport heritage, through its education and volunteer programs."

      Fact File

• The launch event will be at Whiteman Park at 4pm today
• Whiteman Park was established after landholdings from more than 30 private owners, including Lew Whiteman, were purchased in the 1970s to create the regional parkland north of Perth; it was opened on September 21, 1986
• For more information, see: http://www.whitemanpark.com.au

Minister's office  - 9213 6600