British Columbians have an opportunity to make their mark on one of the stunning vistas in BC Parks through a new program celebrating 100 years of provincial parks.

From the seashore overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the grasslands of the Okanagan and the soaring Rocky Mountains, the 100 Park Benches For 100 Years of BC Parks initiative aims to give park visitors 100 new locations to sit down and enjoy the fantastic scenery the province's parks are known for. People can sponsor a park bench and have it inscribed with a special message: whether it's a personal memorial for a loved one or a company giving something back to their community.

British Columbia Magazine has kicked off the challenge by sponsoring the first bench. It will be on display Saturday in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park during the Take A Hike event, which is a partnership with the Capital Regional District to get people out exploring local parks. The British Columbia Magazine bench will be installed overlooking quiet Tod inlet with a forested backdrop of the park.

More than 140 potential bench locations are available alongside a trail overlooking a lake or viewpoint or beside a playground. Through the www.bcparkbench.ca website, people can choose their park, chose their bench location and see a photo or map of the surrounding area. All money raised will go into the Parks Enhancement Fund and be used to fund more improvements to park facilities.

The benches are made of recycled plastic "wood," with planks arranged to contour the human body. They also include metal armrests on each end to make them more accessible for those with mobility challenges who need a little more support.

Individual benches will be available for sponsorship for $1,500. This includes installation and a bronze-casted plaque with a customized message or company logo. Sponsors will receive a charitable tax receipt for their contribution.

Quick Facts:

Parking fees were eliminated from B.C. parks on May 3 to help make them more accessible and inviting to families.

The Province has also launched a $500,000 Community Legacy Program to fund improvements to parks across B.C. and a BC Parks Passport Program offering rewards for visiting parks this summer.

British Columbia Magazine has been a significant partner and sponsor of BC Parks' 100th birthday celebrations. The magazine is celebrating BC Parks 100 with a 23-page feature in its Summer 2011 edition available this week. The magazine is also offering a chance to win getaways in some of B.C.'s breathtaking provincial parks through the Share Your BC Parks contest at www.shareyourbc.ca. And for every subscription ordered through the BC Parks Passport or on the Discover Camping website, British Columbia Magazine will donate five dollars back to BC Parks' Park Enhancement Fund.

Learn More:

Find out more about BC Parks 100 celebrations at: www.bcparks.ca

Connect with BC Parks on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745