Dispatchers from the UW-Madison Police Department were critical in locating an individual who fell through the ice on Lake Mendota UWPD dispatchers heard a call from the Dane County 911 Center indicating someone had fallen through the ice near Picnic Point Dispatchers immediately searched for the individual using our security camera system and the location was quickly relayed to the City of Madison Lake Rescue Team UWPD officers responded to Picnic Point to illuminate the area The UWPD Drone Team was also deployed to keep a watchful eye on the individual and Madison Fire rescuers According to the Madison Fire the individual was in the water for about 20 minutes before they were successfully rescued They were transported to a local hospital for treatment As a general reminder, despite the recent cold weather, no ice should be considered safe. If you choose to go on ice, use extreme caution and never go alone. More ice safety tips from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can be found here Website feedback, questions or accessibility issues: police@uwpd.wisc.edu | Learn more about accessibility at UW–Madison The recent announcement that a “living building” will be constructed at the entrance to Picnic Point struck me as odd The very phrase “living building” seemed a clever combination of words mortar and glass with the word “living,” evoking a natural landscape equipped with innovative technologies meant to lessen environmental harm would become a visitor and education center — but to me it seemed contrary to my understanding of a nature preserve My husband and I retired seven years ago and moved to Madison drawn by the desire to be closer to family and live in a college town bustling with ideas We eagerly explored the Ice Age Trail and discovered Wisconsin’s roly-poly beauty and I read Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac during the week before the wedding It was a daily journey immersed in nature’s stories The announcement of the living building coincided with research I was doing on the history of cardiac rehabilitation was where early advocates for exercise brought their patients in the aftermath of heart attacks A practice that had jumpstarted the development of successful rehabilitation programs for patients with coronary artery disease bright with sunshine but infused with cool winter air I parked my car and walked across the street toward the entrance to the trails navigating bits of salty ice covering the ground Birdsong came from the thick forest beyond the entrance merrily colliding with the crunch of my footfall a call and response not unlike listening to jazz musicians trading musical improvisations: a solemn clarinet calling to the sprightly piano a drone of the double bass blending with the beat of the drummer’s rhythms The entrance was a maze of knee-high fences zigzagging along a sandy path covered in melting snow A strip of trampled weeds was the only dry footpath into a half-frozen grassy area The shadow of climate change hovered: Was Picnic Point sinking Around the first bend lay sacred burial grounds of Native Americans marked off by an ankle-high black chain fence resting on wooden blocks that cradled their roundness Blackened beer cans and shriveled candy wrappers peeked upward from the ash pile — a winter picnic I would learn that archaeologists estimated that the evenly arranged mounds I observed were built by Indigenous people more than 2,500 years ago burial mounds appear as effigies in the shape of animals and other sacred objects astonished that they somehow withstood thousands of years of short-sighted progress My meditation collided with the sound of voices A small crowd of runners leapt over puddles as if playing a game of hopscotch but soon resumed their distinct call and response Mating season was to begin; new life was on the horizon The sound of ice breaking along the shoreline punctuated the persistent birdsong I could almost hear small wavelets brushing alongside the edges of the peninsula echoing from the left side of the path to right Change was in the air; winter becoming spring a favorite season for university students to ponder the end of a school year; some would become engaged serenaded by the sounds of Picnic Point Maple Bluff was a foggy collection of houses and buildings framed by trees with just the first hint of green Later I would learn that 19th-century climate observers would row a boat from Picnic Point to Maple Bluff bringing along a case of beer for friends on the other side of the lake while gathering data that indicated how soon the lake would freeze over offer a longitudinal look at the impacts of climate change to row a boat in icy waters with the possibility of capsizing Yet that’s the kind of action that has helped us understand the impact of a warming climate The living building will be built outside the stone wall on land already disturbed by human intervention The construction plans include geothermal energy systems It will be a foothold for a sustainable future a stepping-stone instead of a stumbling block It feels like a promising idea — a bridge between what has been and what could be — a place that serves as a gateway to the living story of Picnic Point Janice Kehler is a freelance writer with a passion for telling untold stories that connect personal lives with cultural issues please send an email with the following information to calendar@isthmus.com Here's the information we need to include your event in our calendar: * event date; RSVP/ticket deadline if there is one email or website we can publish (REQUIRED) Optional info:* bios/press releases for posting with the online listing There are many picnic areas available in the parks. All picnic areas have restrooms, and some have water and barbecue grills. Barbecue grills may not be available when fire restrictions are in place. Please check current fire restrictions before you visit for information on wood and charcoal fires Picnic areas in the foothills are at a lower elevation of 1700 - 2800 feet (500 - 850 m) and are usually impacted by fire restrictions in the summer due to extreme heat it is the perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the green hills and diverse wildlife Picnic in an oak woodland near the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River Numerous picnic areas offer both sunny and shady spots to eat and relax browse outdoor exhibits that tell the story of Native Americans who lived and traveled in this area Foothills Picnic Area is across the highway from Foothills Visitor Center this is a comfortable place to stop on the way up into the mountains and other services are available across the street from the picnic area Right in the heart of Sequoia National Park picnic areas in Lodgepole and the Giant Forest sit at an elevation of 6600 - 7200 feet (2000 - 2200 m) Cool weather and shade from the trees provides a lovely spot to stop and rest The Crescent Meadow Picnic Area is 2.6 miles from the Giant Forest Museum The picnic area rests at the edge of a lush meadow Crescent Meadow Picnic Area has accessible vault restrooms and designated accessible (but steep) parking stalls Located between the Giant Forest Museum and Lodgepole Visitor Center the Pinewood Picnic Area offers regular and long picnic tables for groups of all sizes The Lodgepole Picnic Area is adjacent to Lodgepole facilities this picnic area is a great place to stop for lunch while taking in gorgeous meadow views Halstead Meadow Picnic Area is four miles from the Lodgepole Visitor Center Mineral King has one picnic area close to the Mineral King Ranger Station An accessible restroom is located along Mineral King Road at the Lookout Point entrance 8 miles (13 km) before Atwell Mill Campground and 15 miles (24 km) before Mineral King Ranger Station this area is characterized by warm days and cool nights in summer with deep snow and cold temperatures in winter The first resting spot after the park entrance station on Highway 180 this picnic area makes this a perfect stop to get your bearings after the drive from the San Joaquin Valley Covered picnic tables offer shelter and parking is usually abundant It includes extended picnic tables for travelers using wheelchairs This picnic spot is located near the Grant Grove campgrounds and Visitor Center and picnic tables are available year-round This spot is close to the Panoramic Point trail Be aware that the road to the trailhead is narrow; drive it slowly and carefully Motor homes and trailers are not permitted This glaciated valley features towering cliffs Picnic tables can be found throughout the canyon and are available anytime the area is open Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go there is one spot in New Jersey the experts say you can't miss Take a minute to remove yourself from a bitter cold Jersey winter and imagine a beautiful picnic on a warm summer day When you consider all the amazing places in New Jersey to have a beautiful picnic it has to be difficult to make one spot the best We have so many parks and beaches and quiet spots that are perfect for a picnic but leave it to the experts to narrow it down for us And that is exactly what the experts at Taste of Home did and the spot they chose is nearly impossible to argue with They chose a beautiful spot in a beloved New Jersey town as the perfect place to have a picnic in New Jersey Most New Jersey residents don't need to be talked into visiting the charming and historic town of Smithville Read More: New Jersey's Richest Towns these experts say to bring your basket to Smithville and park yourself at the banks of Lake Meone There you can enjoy your picnic watching the carousel and it makes me wish winter was over even more If you love picnics, there is one spot in New Jersey the experts say you can't miss. Can you guess where it is?\nRead More And that is exactly what the experts at Taste of Home did Read More: New Jersey's Richest Towns And if it's a picnic you want, these experts say to bring your basket to Smithville and park yourself at the banks of Lake Meone. There you can enjoy your picnic watching the carousel, paddle boats and train. That sounds like an amazing afternoon, and it makes me wish winter was over even more. It can be as simple as a sandwich at the park or some fresh fruit at the beach This simplicity is the reason Melissa Gutierrez and her husband often opted for picnic dates early in their relationship “It was such an easy way to enjoy the beautiful weather we have here in the summer,” Gutierrez In 2021, Gutierrez decided to combine her love for picnics and flair for decorating to start Hola Picnic Boston they’ve put on more than 400 picnics for Bostonians celebrating birthdays I spoke with Gutierrez to get some tips on planning a proper picnic from locations to little details you won’t want to forget We’ve also gathered some recommendations for local treats you’ll want to pack in your picnic basket from our newsroom staff and newsletter readers Bustling Boston Common might seem like an excellent spot for a picnic — and for many But if you’re looking to have a peaceful time outdoors you may want to steer clear of areas that see lots of foot traffic You’re also more likely to experience disturbances from squirrels birds and other potential pests at places like the Common and Boston Public Garden “We try to avoid crowded parks,” said Gutierrez she suggests a green space or beach that’s a little more removed Pleasure Bay and Castle Island in South Boston These spots are popular for picnics “because they’re very intimate and create a beautiful experience,” said Gutierrez And there’s no shame in moving things inside Field Guide to Boston: Discover — and rediscover — your Boston. Once you’ve picked a location, it’s time to pack a basket (or cooler) with all the goodies you’ll need for your picnic. “Planning any event can be stressful if you aren’t used to coordinating a lot of details,” said Gutierrez. That’s where experts like her come in. Aside from food, she makes sure to pack a few essential picnic components most of us might forget — like a bucket of ice for drinks, extra cutlery, hand sanitizer and bug spray. Last comes the easy part: selecting your menu. Whether you’re planning a picnic for lunch or a light snack, there’s no shortage of items you can choose to bring along. Homemade is always an option. But in case time is of the essence, we asked WBUR staffers and readers for the local businesses where they like to pick up picnic fare. Here are their favorites: Hanna Ali Associate ProducerHanna Ali is an associate producer for newsletters at WBUR Current flood notices are in place for areas of the Central Coast, including Tuggerah Lake. Read more and follow our Facebook page  Performing Arts Centre of the Year in 2022 The visual arts culture of the Central Coast Central Coast’s new district-level playspace at Picnic Point The Entrance is already proving popular with locals and visitors the playspace was ready for the community on Friday 11 April – ensuring it was open for the first weekend of the school holidays It also incorporates the existing rope climbing unit The new playspace is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program ($190,000) in association with Central Coast Council ($196,000) Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the new playspace is a fantastic addition for local families “We’re always excited to deliver playspace projects to communities across the Coast the New South Wales Government and other contributors demonstrate a significant investment in the community.” Lawrie McKinna said the design of the playspace project reflects a community-driven and inclusive approach we conducted extensive community engagement to gather feedback on what residents wanted to see in playspaces,” Mayor McKinna said along with guidance from our endorsed Playspace Strategy and Disability Inclusion Action Plan directly shaped the equipment selection and overall design ensuring the Picnic Point playspace is inclusive and meet the needs of local families “We’re proud to be delivering these community assets shaped by input from the very people who will use them.” David Mehan MP said he was delighted to be delivering on one of his key election promises made during the 2023 state election campaign “The community made it very clear that they wanted this playground upgraded and I am pleased their views are reflected in the Council design,” Mr Mehan said The Picnic Point playspace also features the inclusion of a Public Art piece which is in remembrance of the late Mrs Leigh Black and which was funded through community fundraising Mr Black said it is fantastic to see the community the NSW Government and Central Coast Council come together to make this possible “A big thank you to all involved and to all who donated with a special mention for Mrs Vanessa Kooger for her fundraising efforts “Please come and see the wonderful Public Art piece and take a moment in this great location to reflect on just how precious life is and to simply appreciate the joy children experience when playing outdoors,” Mr Black said district and regional playspaces?Council classifies playspaces into local This system helps determine the appropriate size features and location for each playspace based on the needs of the surrounding community. •    Local playspaces are smaller playspaces typically found within local parks They cater primarily to residents living within a short distance (generally 400-800m) and are designed for shorter play sessions.•    District playspaces are medium-sized playspaces often co-located with other community facilities such as sports fields or community centres and are designed for longer play sessions (more than 2 hours).•    Regional playspaces are the largest playspaces offering a wide variety of equipment and often including additional amenities such as car parking and may attract visitors from across the region.  The Lakeshore Nature Preserve's Picnic Point hiking trails and small Lake Mendota beaches provide an easy-to-access natural oasis just steps from downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus And soon, the thousands of students, Madisonians and others who visit the spot each year will be welcomed by a new "front door" when they arrive at the 300-acre natural area The university announced last week that Madison philanthropist and UW-Madison alumnus Jerry Frautschi ― husband of American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland ― donated $14.3 million to help build a 9,000-square-foot visitor and education center at the preserve "The Lakeshore Nature Preserve Frautschi Center will showcase UW-Madison's commitment to sustainability and support hands-on experiential learning and research for more than 25 academic programs in addition to serving as a new asset to environmental education for the community," the university said in a press release Construction is expected to begin next year Sustainability and accessibility will be two of the new building's main focuses The university intends the Frautschi Center to be certified as Wisconsin's first "living building," which means it generates its own energy It will also be the first net-positive energy building on UW's campus meaning it will produce more energy than it consumes The structure will use geothermal heating and cooling passive ventilation and will rely on windows and skylights during the day The center project will also include "safer pedestrian crossing and entry to the parking area off University Bay Drive," according to the university's release upper-level deck will allow visitors to view the preserve "to the north across University Bay to the southeast and toward the Class of 1918 Marsh to the south." The preserve's bike and pedestrian paths will also receive a makeover and safety improvements, though routes will remain the same. A new rental bike B-Cycle station will also be added to the new path The university is launching an additional $5 million fundraising effort to support ongoing operations and programming at the center Additionally, the center plans to collaborate with the Ho-Chunk Nation to increase land care practices that take into consideration the burial mounds within the preserve It will also offer educational displays featuring plants culturally significant to the Ho-Chunk This is far from the Frautschi family's first major contribution to the Madison community. Jerry Frautschi's past projects include a $205-million donation to the Overture Center for the Arts developing the 100 block of Madison's iconic State Street and financing the Edgewater Hotel expansion The Frautschi family's connection to the Lakeshore Nature Preserve began 34 years ago when Jerry and his brother purchased what was known as "Second Point" along Lake Mendota's shoreline for $1.5 million when it was in danger of being developed They later renamed it "Frautschi Point" and donated it to the university which connects the western and eastern ends of UW's Lake Mendota shoreline ultimately became the Lakeshore Nature Preserve "My family has lived in Madison since the 1800s and we feel a great sense of responsibility to give back to the city and community that we love," Frautschi said "I am pleased that I am able to carry on my family's tradition of philanthropy and community service and that visitors will have a welcoming gathering place with improved access to the trails that line the lakeshore." More: 10 things to do in Madison beyond the Terrace and the Capitol More: Residents of this Wisconsin city were among the top 10 fittest in America in 2023 We wait all winter for weather like this.  If you want to take advantage of our perfect WNY weather What was the last time you went on a picnic?  I'm talking food the whole shot.  If it's been a while maybe it's time to put that on your bucket list for this summer they can be a gamble.  You need a bunch of things to line up for a perfect one.  The food is probably the most important part.  You can't have one without it the less the rest of it matters.  The scenery makes a difference because you'll want to be surrounded by things that make you feel good.  But most of all you need good weather.  Nothing can spoil a picnic like awful weather We get great weather in Western New York in the summer.  Most of the time the temperatures are in the mid to upper 70s.  We normally get little humidity and you can also normally catch a great breeze The best part about a picnic is that you don't have to go anywhere to have one.  You can have one in your backyard or even in your living room if you end up getting rained out.  But if you're looking for a great place to head to for a picnic this summer check out this list for some great suggestions Gallery Credit: Brett Alan Gallery Credit: Perry's Ice Cream/Canva We wait all winter for weather like this. If you want to take advantage of our perfect WNY weather, these are some great places for a picnic.\nRead More one of the most popular destinations in UW-Madison's Lakeshore Nature Preserve The Frautschi Center is slated to open in 2026 The 9,000-square-foot building will be located near the preserve's entrance on University Bay Drive The Frautschi Center will be the state's first "living building," meaning it generates its own energy A $14.3 million gift from Jerry Frautschi will fund a 9,000-square-foot building at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve It will be UW's first net-positive energy building The University of Wisconsin-Madison will build a new visitor and education center for its Lakeshore Nature Preserve in an effort to increase access to the 300-acre natural area The 9,000-square-foot building will welcome visitors into the preserve which is on the south shore of Lake Mendota and includes the Lakeshore Path and the popular landmark Picnic Point Madison philanthropist Jerry Frautschi and his family have donated $14.3 million to fund the facility, the university announced Monday in a news release and construction is slated to begin next year Frautschi graduated from UW-Madison in 1956 and after serving in the Navy he joined Webcrafters which he ran with his brother John for 42 years He has gone on to become one of the city's major benefactors most notably through a $205 million gift to build the Overture Center “My family has lived in Madison since the 1800s and we feel a great sense of responsibility to give back to the city and community that we love,” Frautschi said in a prepared statement “I am pleased that I am able to carry on my family’s tradition of philanthropy and community service and that visitors will have a welcoming gathering place with improved access to the trails that line the lakeshore.” the new center will be located near the preserve’s parking area off University Bay Drive and include an upper-level deck for above-ground views of the area The university also plans to upgrade and realign a section of the Lakeshore Path to improve pedestrian safety and provide for a better visitor experience The Frautschi Center will be the state’s first “living building,” meaning it generates its own energy It will additionally produce more energy than it consumes making it the first net-positive energy building on UW’s campus In addition to incorporating recycled and upcycled building materials the facility will rely on geothermal heating and cooling passive ventilation and daylight to reduce electrical and artificial lighting needs “The Frautschi Center is an ideal location to showcase what’s possible in sustainable design,” said Missy Nergard dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies said the center will also “create unprecedented opportunities for community engagement and public education.”  The university is seeking an additional $5 million in private contributions to support ongoing operations and programming at the center staff at the Frautschi Center will increase land care practices of burial mounds within the preserve and offer information on plants that are culturally significant to the tribe interim director of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve said the center “will create an interpretive space to share information about the extraordinary work happening in the preserve every day and celebrate the cultural richness of the preserve’s history.” The center’s donors have long held ties to the preserve when the property was in danger of being developed the Frautschi brothers purchased what was known as “Second Point” along Lake Mendota’s shoreline for $1.5 million The Frautschis renamed the land “Frautschi Point” and donated it to the university That land connects the western and eastern ends of the campus’ Lake Mendota shoreline creating what would ultimately become the Lakeshore Nature Preserve “I’ve enjoyed Lake Mendota and its beautiful shoreline for most of my life,” Frautschi said “and it is exciting to think that this visitor and education center will encourage even more visitors to this Madison treasure.” Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that part of a bicycle and pedestrian path in the preserve will be realigned and improved without the construction of new paths Kayla Huynh joined the Cap Times in 2021 and covers higher education She graduated from Northwestern University with a master's degree in journalism after attending UW-Madison Support Kayla's work and local journalism by becoming a Cap Times member To comment on this story, submit a letter to the editor Become a Cap Times member today and enjoy great benefits Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Uttar Pradesh Police has reportedly arrested five men accused of raping a woman while she was at a picnic spot with her fiancé in Kasganj district last week The victim was allegedly dragged into a room by the accused while her fiancé was beaten up outside(Pixabay/Representative) The victim was allegedly gangraped in broad daylight in Kasganj district adding that the crime took place at a picnic point where she had come with her fiancé at Hazara Canal with her fiancé on April 10 More than half a dozen people have been accused of gang rape The victim was allegedly dragged into a room by the accused while her fiancé was beaten up outside "The accused dragged the girl to a room built on Hazara Canal The accused kept threatening the fiancé by beating him outside The accused raped the victim one by one inside the room," the news agency quoted police The victim visited her family after her health deteriorated after which the incident of gangrape was reported to the police helpline The police have arrested five people in connection with the incident and are on the lookout for others involved in the crime The accused kept threatening the fiance by beating him outside The accused raped the victim one by one inside the room," the police said Further investigation is ongoing into the matter In another unrelated incident, twelve people have been arrested in connection with the gangrape of a woman in Varanasi allegedly by 23 men over several days "A total of 12 accused have been arrested and are being sent to judicial custody The remaining accused are being identified and will be accounted for soon The victim and the family are being provided aid under the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scheme Strict action will be taken against the culprits Three more accused have been arrested and sent to jail." nine accused were sent to judicial custody by the District and Sessions Court The police found the victim on April 4 in an unconscious state The lawyer of one of the accused said that a total of 23 people have been accused in the case The beautiful weather means it could be a great day for a picnic We have some beautiful spots for the perfect picnic Picnics can be for the whole family or just a simple romantic picnic We have some spots that are just absolutely beautiful What do you think of when you think picnic you're thinking - Sue - that's a BBQ it is but my family always called our BBQs picnics A picnic to me as an adult may be a sub sandwich from Wawa or sandwiches from home Several of these suggestions of "Best Picnic Spots in Ocean County" came from yelp.com and some friends and co-workers that love heading to the beach after 5 pm for their dinner at the beach that's the perfect time to go to the beach #1 - Berkeley Island State Park in Bayville, NJ #2 - Brick Beach III #3 - Ocean County Park in Lakewood, NJ #4 - Cattus Island in Toms River, NJ #5 - Brick Reservoir #6 - Island Beach State Park #7 - Winding River in Toms River, NJ #8 - Island Heights Boardwalk #9 - Anywhere on Long Beach Island If you've never done a picnic after 5 at your local beach there are no lifeguards on the beach at that time with beaches and parks with beautiful waterways to enjoy a picnic with the family We have some of the best spots for that perfect picnic The beautiful weather means it could be a great day for a picnic. We have some beautiful spots for the perfect picnic.\nRead More #1 - Berkeley Island State Park in Bayville, NJ #2 - Brick Beach III #3 - Ocean County Park in Lakewood, NJ #4 - Cattus Island in Toms River, NJ #5 - Brick Reservoir #6 - Island Beach State Park #7 - Winding River in Toms River, NJ #8 - Island Heights Boardwalk #9 - Anywhere on Long Beach Island - Project type: short film- Roles: --- Raphael (lead, male, 18-35)--- Gabriela (lead, female, 20-35)- Average hourly rate: $25- Casting locations: West New York- Learn more about the short film here - Popularity rating: 26%\r\n- Fame rating: 42% (Rank: #40) is a West Coast beverage retailer with more than 160 stores in California Founded in 1994 in the San Francisco Bay Area Information about working in or operating early childhood education services including outside school hours care information for parents including how to choose a service and supporting your child for their transition to school Skills NSW helps post high school students find courses in vocational training across a wide variety of industries and course providers The NSW Department of Education is committed to employing the best and brightest teachers who can teach and make a difference in NSW public schools NSW Department of Education's information on curriculum taught in NSW schools Aboriginal education and communities & personalised support A mural celebrating one of Australia’s foremost cricketers has been unveiled at Picnic Point High School As a three-time World Cup champion and a two-time Australian cricketer of the year former Picnic Point High School student Ash Gardner was already a big deal Gardner has been immortalised at the school with a huge mural recognising her contributions to the school Picnic Point High School Administration Manager Chris Millar said what had started as an idea to give the school a refresh morphed into acknowledging one of its most celebrated alumni I think it is really great to see someone having come through the school that we can celebrate like this,” she said “Hopefully it’s also a really good inspiration to the kids as well.” who attended the school between 2009 and 2014 returned to her alma mater to see the mural and chat with students about working hard to achieve their goals “I graduated 10 years ago so it is kind of surreal to be back here,” she said “They made me look pretty good up there (in the mural)!” Gardner fondly recalled her time at the school saying she was given every opportunity to succeed I grew up in the area and this was the school that everyone wanted to go to,” she said there was always a great opportunity to do different things whether it was cricket or touch footy – pretty much anything I wanted to put my hand up for “It was just a really cool environment because you made so many friends.” Gardner has remained grounded and well-connected to the area despite travelling for six months or more a year she runs a foundation to support Aboriginal school children through breakfast programs providing sports kits and unstructured play while encouraging them to complete their high school education She appreciates not everyone can or wants to be a sports star but said hard work would have its rewards regardless of the path “I could never had imagined sitting here at a point in time thinking I’d be able to play sport for a living,” she said “It’s not always going to be easy but if you enjoy the process of working hard and being dedicated towards working to something you will naturally progress to those areas that you choose.” Next stop for Gardner is the T20 World Cup in the UAE next month where Australia will attempt to win its fourth consecutive title We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education Calls for action to curb the rise of campers and squatters living at Picnic Point have risen following the death of a person camping there Police have confirmed a person was discovered dead in the back of a van camped at Picnic Point on January 23 Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a report was being prepared for the coroner A resident who witnessed police and ambulance attending the scene said the number of illegal campers and squatters at Picnic Point was out of control The resident alleges the person was one of many homeless people who were camping in the area Illegal camping and squatting have risen dramatically all along the coast as Central Coast Council grapples with the complexities of sorting out who is free camping and who is homeless many of whom are concerned about the lack of toilet facilities in these illegal camping areas I say open your eyes,” one Picnic Point resident said “Some homeless (people) need some help – subsidised van parks maybe – others are rude He said the campsites were “filthy” and campers showed minimal respect for others around them “My view is that we have to do more to move these people on,” the resident said He said he had written and sent photos to the Council and he knew of other residents who had also complained by phone to no avail He said the problem started with a few tents and cars over two years ago increasing steadily through the COVID years and as of February 3 Central Coast Councillor Doug Eaton said he had visited Picnic Point several times recently after being contacted by a resident “But having again visited Picnic Point last week – there is a clear slum/ghetto area and many people will not feel safe visiting this area which should be a prime tourist area and that’s what this resident is relaying,” he said “From my inspection all of the campers at Picnic Point have cars so in my view they could easily move to a non-prime location and leave our prime tourist areas and beaches for residents and tourists.” Eaton was successful in getting Council to agree to a number of measures regarding free camping amid fears the issue would “dramatically” increase over Summer holidays included directing CEO David Farmer to urgently review and install signage to prohibit free parking at Council reserves and carparks and for Council’s rangers to enforce the restrictions immediately It also stated that in cases of genuine homelessness Council rangers are to offer referral to appropriate support services The motion also said that Council staff were to negotiate with the NRMA to offer temporary free or subsidised accommodation to the genuine homeless for a short period and that staff investigate other appropriate accommodation options The CEO is to report back to Council in February on the implementation and effectiveness of these measures and other relevant issues “My concern is that these illegal free campers are taking up beachside parking spots making them unavailable for residents and tourists,” Eaton said One resident has launched a petition calling for action from police and the Council to relocate the “unauthorised community” at Blackwall boat ramp to suitable accommodation About 127 people have signed the petition which was launched on January 30 “The Blackwall boat ramp has been a popular spot for recreational boating for many years,” the petition stated it has been burdened by the presence of an unauthorised community living in the area “This has resulted in parking spaces being occupied to an unsustainable level especially now that the Ettalong boat ramp is closed and so parking is at a premium hygiene and environmental concerns are on the rise as these people do not have access to proper sanitation facilities leading to improper disposal of waste on the foreshore unattended pets from this community are causing additional issues to the surroundings “Despite numerous reports to the police and Council with each sector believing that the other should resolve this “Our petition is to prompt direct action from both the police and Council “It is crucial for us to protect the recreational purpose of Blackwall boat ramp as well as ensuring that every citizen has a proper place to call home we request an immediate and effective solution to relocate the unauthorised community to suitable A Central Coast Council spokesperson said following the December Council meeting a review of current signage in particular hotspots had commenced and would be completed in the first quarter of this year Some new signage in particular hotspots had already been installed The spokesperson said rangers proactively patrolled hotspots where there was signage over the Christmas and New Year period which resulted in a significant number of people who were illegally camping being moved on.  She said Council rangers had seen a noticeable reduction in illegal campers in the hotspots after moving people on and undertaking enforcement action where warranted Council will continue to patrol areas where illegal camping and parking is reported as being an issue The spokesperson said enforcement action could be complicated and needed to be carefully considered particularly if people were genuinely homeless.  She said Council staff have been working with appropriate agencies to provide support services to those who are homeless and to look for long-term solutions this is what happens when you price people out of housing Get use to it it’s going to happen a lot more in the future I travel on the new trains daily from Woy Woy to Central and vice versa I love the new trains apart from (the fact) they are absolutely freezing Business NSW has congratulated Central Coast Federal MPs Emma McBride (Dobell) Dr Gordon Reid (Robertson) and Pat Conroy (Shortland) on their re-election on May 3 and called for a renewed… Humpty Dumpty Foundation has sprung into action to help Central Coast Local Health District provide seven breast pumps for its midwifery and Aboriginal health services THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY Back to Latest News back 20th December 2024 - Discovery Parks MIldura reopens following two-year flood rebuild 11th September 2024 - Lismore Basketball Stadium reopens following extensive flood repairs 7th August 2024 - Boodjamulla National Park secures additional flood recovery funding 14th April 2024 - Discovery Parks Nagambie Lakes reopens in Goulburn Valley following flood recovery 5th April 2024 - Flooding causes closure of Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary 18th March 2024 - Parks Victoria reopens flood impacted Buchan Caves Reserve ahead of Easter long weekend 22nd January 2024 - More than $300,000 to be shared among flood impacted Mid Murray tourism operators 11th January 2024 - Flooding at Latrobe Golf Club forces closure of WPGA event 21st November 2023 - NPWS fines 4WD driver for illegally entering flood damaged Mooball National Park 4th November 2023 - Replacement nears completion of flood damaged Mitchelton Football Club’s synthetic field  20th September 2023 - Support offered for recovery of Kimberley flood impacted environmental and cultural assets 19th September 2023 - Recovery support continues for NSW flood damaged arts and cultural infrastructure we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news Click here to view our subscription options Click here to view our subscription options product and event updates delivered right to your inbox The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services See more see more See the directory see all Get your business noticed in our targeted directory Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week Website by A woman and her two dogs were rescued at Picnic Point on Tuesday A volunteer crew aboard Marine Rescue NSW vessel X 20 assisted NSW Police in helping the woman after the boat became disabled on the Murray River The vessel was successfully towed back to the Picnic Point Boat Ramp Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities Portland’s Best Veggie and Vegan Burgers The Best New Restaurants and Food Carts in Portland, May 2025 The Best Chinese Food in Portland Oregon absolutely shows off in the spring and summer and restaurants supplying house-made charcuterie and Oregon-made cheeses the Meating Place is a neighborhood butcher and market with one heck of a deli Customers can stop in to grab roast beef sandwiches and chips from Pacific Northwestern standbys like Tim’s for people who just want to grab food and hit the road; Noble Woods Park is a nice spot for a picnic nearby A post shared by Air Jordan the Crispy One (@hoteatscoolfeets) 17 Horizon-Expanding Restaurants in Hillsboro Where to Find Bowls of Captivating Chili in Portland and Beyond This Filipino bakery is a haven for empanadas just a stone’s throw from the Duniway Park Lilac Garden Barbra should involve both sweet and savory pastries and treats A post shared by ANDREA // SEATTLE FOODIE (@hangryforwhat) Where to Find Fantastic Filipino Food in Portland and Beyond This small international market on NW Everett is a killer spot to grab some chocolate bars but some of the real winners come from Ya Hala chef Mirna Attar The one essential order: a few pieces of pistachio or walnut baklava for dessert A post shared by @veganpentagram Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner Takeout in Portland This Year but picnickers can also call in to inquire about same-day orders A post shared by Stan Lee (@secretstan) The Best Restaurants to Eat and Drink Around the Buckman Neighborhood 10 Excellent Eastern European Restaurants in Portland and Beyond This Brooklyn neighborhood German deli supplies cut to order charcuterie fixings like speckwurst which can be paired with deli salads like German potato salad and coleslaw for a European picnic spread Shoppers opting for the pre-made route can go for one of the deli’s Reuben options — classic or turkey — before heading to nearby Brooklyn City Park A post shared by @canned__meat P’s & Q’s seems like it was built in a lab to be the ideal picnic pit stop: Perched right on the edge of Woodlawn Park, P’s & Q’s offers sandwiches (including a towering fried polenta sandwich), deli staples like mac salad, sides like deviled eggs and slaw, plus a full market’s worth of snacks, cheese, non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha, and desserts like banana pudding. It takes online orders and walk-ins A post shared by P's & Q's Market (@psandqsmarket) The Best Restaurants for a Mid-Week Lunch in Portland It is extremely difficult to beat the deli at Providore: Walking from one end of the deli counter to the other one can stock up on fresh-baked bread from Little T American Baker Oregon Park is very close to Providore and is equipped with picnic tables A post shared by Providore Fine Foods (@providorepdx) 14 Fantastic Specialty Markets in East Portland 13 Hidden Spots to Eat and Drink in Portland A post shared by Michael (@micbanh) The 38 Best Restaurants and Food Carts in Portland 17 Best Portland Restaurant Patios for Outstanding Outdoor Dining Year-Round Otto’s on Woodstock has a serious supply of snacking sausages served on buns with toppings like jalapeno mustard and sauerkraut There are plenty of pretty spots to snack nearby A post shared by Drew (@brewworden) Where to Eat and Drink in Portland’s Woodstock Neighborhood This Prescott market is a veritable meze heaven with everything from house-made dolmas to bowls of beef-topped hummus For those looking for something more substantial than a few containers of tzatziki and a one-of-a-kind “falafel burger.” The Roseway Parkway is just across the street and lined with cherry trees This charming Lents bakery sells everything from cold cut grinders to jam tarts to pepperoni rolls for takeout. There are any number of avenues for a primo picnic experience, but here’s one we love: Order house focaccia, an antipasti platter, and a bag of amaretti to enjoy over at the nearby Lents Park. Order online or call ahead for a speedier pickup A post shared by R A D I C I (@radicisiciliane) 16 Tasty Reasons to Drink and Dine in Lents for those seeking a setting for their Southeast Asian feast Plan your visit to the Mt Coot-tha lookout and reserve Visit the Mt Coot-tha precinct for an adventurous or relaxing day out in nature Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area. You can explore the reserve by foot, bike or on horseback don’t miss the spectacular view from the lookout the summit was once cleared of bushland and left with one lone eucalyptus tree Today the summit features a viewing platform and a cafe.  The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha are tucked into the foot of the mountain The subtropical oasis also includes a range of attractions Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area. You can explore the reserve by foot, bike or on horseback Today the summit features a viewing platform and a cafe.  The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha are tucked into the foot of the mountain Mt Coot-tha walking tracks and bike trails Admire Brisbane from its highest point at the heritage-listed Mt Coot-tha Lookout See panoramic views over the city and out to Moreton Bay Mt Coot-tha Lookout is open 24 hours a day the lookout has an onsite café and gift shop. Snap memorable moments over a drink and choose a souvenir to remember your visit by Admire Brisbane from its highest point at the heritage-listed Mt Coot-tha Lookout the lookout has an onsite café and gift shop. Snap memorable moments over a drink and choose a souvenir to remember your visit by Plan your trip with Translink’s journey planner Plan your trip with Translink’s journey planner Access is via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive and the Mahogany Track in Mt Coot-tha Forest. Plan your route using our bike paths map Access is via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive and the Mahogany Track in Mt Coot-tha Forest. Plan your route using our bike paths map Take the Summit Track or the Mahogany Track in Mt Coot-tha Forest Set up for the day at one of 9 picnic areas in Mt Coot-tha Reserve kick a ball on the grassy lawns and explore the forest on the nearby walking tracks.   Not sure which spot to choose? Try the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area. From here, you can start your walk to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. You can also plan ahead and book a park site.  kick a ball on the grassy lawns and explore the forest on the nearby walking tracks.   Not sure which spot to choose? Try the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area. From here, you can start your walk to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. You can also plan ahead and book a park site.  Slaughter Falls and Simpson Falls picnic areas are open 6am–7pm daily The Grey Gum and Hoop Pine picnic areas have boom gates at the entry and are locked each night The other picnic areas are open 24 hours a day You can find the picnic areas on the track map You can find the picnic areas on the track map Choose from 2 bookable sites at the J.C Choose from 2 bookable sites at the J.C complete the Park Booking Application online form You need to specify what type of event you're planning and how many people you expect to attend Before you book, find information about other booking conditions, fees and requirements Before you book, find information about other booking conditions, fees and requirements The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha covers 56 hectares of the reserve It features more than 200,000 plants from around the world.  attend a nature-themed workshop or book a space for a special occasion Make the most of your visit using our guides and information on attractions and events.  The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha covers 56 hectares of the reserve It features more than 200,000 plants from around the world.  and information on attractions and events.  you can ride your horse on designated shared-use tracks in Mt Coot-tha Reserve please note that there is no designated horse-float parking at Mt Coot-tha Find trails using the track map Find trails using the track map The planetarium is in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Parking is available in the gardens’ main car park and you can also get there using public transport Find out about the experiences and attractions at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium Find out about the experiences and attractions at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium Creating new and improved destinations for play across the Central Coast renewed and upgraded playspaces across the Central Coast Discover upcoming playspace works planned for the Central Coast in 2024-25. Have your say in shaping future playspaces on the Central Coast via Your Voice Our Coast. The existing Illoura Reserve playspace is nearing the end of its useful life and will soon be replaced with a new and improved playspace The new playspace has been designed based on community feedback and will include traditional play equipment including swing sets A new district-level playspace is coming to the vacant lot where the Tuggerawong Community Hall previously stood This playspace has been designed based on community feedback and will include traditional play equipment including swing sets including a pendulum swing nature play and a unique mouse house.  Demolition and construction of a new playspace will take place The new play equipment will include a play unit with double slide The new play equipment will include a play unit with dual slides and shopfront The new play equipment will include a play unit with dual slides The new play equipment will include a play unit with slide  Lions Park – Chittaway Bay (fitness equipment) The new fitness equipment will include stretch station back extension equipment and rubber softfall other sensory equipment and rubber softfall Syd Sherar Reserve – Erina (reinstatement of play equipment) Construction of a new playspace will take place Discover the new playspaces and upgrades completed in the 2024-25 financial year This year’s program delivered a variety of exciting equipment creating new and improved destinations for play across the Central Coast The existing playspace at Picnic Point Reserve was nearing the end of its useful life so was replaced with a new and improved accessible playspace The new Picnic Point playspace has been designed based on community feedback and includes traditional play equipment including swing sets It incorporates the existing rope climbing unit is fully fenced and is conveniently located adjacent to the skate park This project involved the demolition and construction of a new playspace will take place The new nature play equipment includes a play unit with a slide Debra Anne Drive – Bateau Bay (fitness equipment) This project involved demolition and construction of the fitness equipment adjacent to the existing playspace The new fitness equipment includes a pull up bar This project involved demolition and construction of a new playspace The new play equipment includes a play unit with slide Murrumbooee Place – Tascott (Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council) This project involved demolition and construction of a new playspace will take place The new play equipment includes a play unit with double and single slide For more FAQs about playspaces, go to our Playspaces page features and location for each playspace based on the needs of the surrounding community.  Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Montréal straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Montreal rankedThese are the best picnic spots in Montreal to lay out a blanket and basket for their spaciousness and summery vibes access to restaurants for easy eats and the best vibes all around Remember: You can consume alcohol in all of these spots, provided you have food RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in MontrealBest cheap eats in Montreal Photograph: Alison SlatteryIf there’s one place that provides the most scenery in the city it’s the green lung located at its heart Mount Royal Park provides an abundance of places to pick for picnics from the forested base and greenspace surrounding the George-Étienne Cartier Monument (with Tam Tams on Sundays) or just roughing it off the path until you find a plateau to lay out a full spread Get your hike on to experience some amazing views; if you’re the exploring type Photograph: Susan MossWant an idyllic Victorian experience Pop your parasols and watch the ducks go by as you lounge among the lazy rolling landscape of this park that’s been around since 1912 The nearby main strip of Westmount on Sherbrooke provides anything you need for equipment and you can make a day of it when the nearby Westmount Library and its greenhouse are open cool off at its wading pool or outdoor pool check out its landscaping jobs or plan a game at the tennis courts Photograph: Susan MossA victim of its own popularity La Fontaine where just about everyone in the city likes to gather for impromptu picnics (see: a sandwich to go with a case of beer) and while there’s no mountain to scale it can be hard to snag one of its ideal spots by the fountain bocce courts or something with ample shade when the weather’s perfect Nevertheless it’s among the very best places that’s central a great place to socialize with the friends you came with or friends-to-be that you’ll end up dining next to Photograph: © Canadian Tourism CommissionWhile part of the Mount Royal Park Beaver Lake acts as a park in its own right for the secluded sense its setup provides: Flat and gently sloping grass surround a large man-made lake where ducks gather providing just the right kind of calming environs that make for a perfect picnic Ever since the city cut down on the amount of traffic that runs between the greenspace and the nearby Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery (a good backup spot if the park is full) it’s all the more peaceful and perfect for picnics the park’s alive with Montrealers from around the world playing baseball firing up BBQs and just generally having a great time The park is huge—massive even by park standards in this city—so there’s always a spot to set up whether or not it’s peak picnicking season Folks tend to congregate around the water on the south side (that’s Montreal south to locals) and its proximity to great bars along Jean-Talon like Harricana means you can skip a trip to the dépanneur for the usual swill Photograph: Ville de MontréalA huge swathe of greenspace in the southwest and easily accessible by metro Angrignon is both an open park for gathering and a small forest for exploring It’s also one of the few parks in the city to provide BBQ pits it’s ready for hot eats if you’ve got the meats If you’re looking for an undisturbed gathering trust that this place has more than enough room for everyone in the city—really we’re surprised more people don’t gather here but if you look past the slightly higher travel time Photograph: @dewolfleloup / InstagramLocated below the Mount Royal Park and closer to some of the best cheap eats in Montreal around the Plateau you’ll find most Montrealers gathering here the vibes here are among the best for meeting up in parks and one look around shows as many first dates as there are family gatherings Stake your claim closer to where the park connects with Rachel Street and grab Portuguese chicken great diner eats and a lot more a mere 10-minute walk away with a pitstop at a dep for good measure Photograph: Daphné CaronConsidering the length of this national park winding from Old Montreal all the way to Lachine there’s a lot of space to claim for a picnic is centralized around the Atwater Market where you can easily pick up snacks and a bottle or two from the nearby SAQ which sports one of the better selections in the city that this IS a national park and drinking—even with eating—technically isn’t allowed Enjoy one of the chess games or public ping pong tables if you want to make a day of it Photograph: Caroline PerronVerdun’s eastern side that faces the Saint-Lawrence River features a string of parks to pick from starting with Champion Park by the Autoroute 15 down through the hillside views of Arthur Therrien Park past J.-Albert-Gariépy Park (the site of Verdun’s beach!) the Rapids Park (which also acts as a bird sanctuary)… If you want to rest assured you can find a spot to sit and enjoy your spread Our top recommendation goes to gathering down where the rapids begin—around NAVI the canoe and kayak rental spot—where the water’s churned and creates a pleasant breeze all day and all night Photograph: Denis LabineA major attraction in Montreal since it became decked out in landmarks following Expo 67 this island in the Saint-Lawrence is for the more intrepid picnickers who want to make their trip outdoors a complete one: Cycling on the Gilles Villeneuve racecar track exploring the gardens around different pavilions swimming at Jean-Doré Beach—heck even a trip to La Ronde if you want to swing it—are all on offer but setting up your spread next to Swan Lake is just as good for some outdoor dining Photograph: Laurent NicodGiven its proximity to the Montreal Botanical Garden and up-close-and-personal views of the Olympic Stadium the wide open spaces of Maisonneuve Park make for a lot of ample space to find the perfect view as you enjoy a meal Consider strolling through the Botanical Garden before or after your meal but not during—picnics aren’t allowed there except in ‘designated spaces’ end your day by whacking a few at the Centre D'Exercice De Golf Sports Montréal Photograph: Eric Carriere / @arrondissementRPPIt’s small—meaning you may not find a lot of space to set up your picnic—but when you consider how it’s surrounded with amazing restaurants bakeries and wine lists and the possibility of nabbing a spot to see live opera during Italian Week This park’s perfect for an all-day occasion if you don’t mind being in close proximity to other Montrealers (and you shouldn’t It’s a place that’s completely enclosed by a wide range of places to get equipped so skip lugging your meal across town and just get it to go Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Denzil D.Consider this park to be a miniaturized version of La Fontaine People swarm here when the weather’s perfect picking up charcuterie and wines (or sammies and brews) from the boutique-lined section of Laurier Avenue nearby and taking up every second socially-distanced spot they can full of French students and expats gathering to blast their Bluetooth speakers and toss a pigskin around or play a game of pick-up softball Photograph: JeangagnonThis park goes out to everyone who’d rather not sit on the ground (and those that tend to forget commonsense equipment like blankets to sit on in the first place): Saint-Henri’s park with a gorgeous wrought iron fountain at its centre is completely lined with bench after bench to sit at while you enjoy the sound of rushing water on a hot summer night The deps nearby have great beer selections and Notre-Dame Street West isn’t too far away for grabbing food if you want to avoid carrying backpacks full of tupperware Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Justine S.Our preference for Outremont parks goes to these small beauties both charming in their own right and a block away from each other Saint-Viateur sports a moat and stone bridge while Outremont Park has a small pond and fountain Both are good for a quick and casual picnic and both are close to a lot of good restaurants on Bernard Avenue and Van Horne Avenue (barely 5 minutes walking further) Our suggestion goes to hitting up Boucherie Bar à Vin Provisions for everything you need from BBQ supplies to a bottle of wine or just some of their butcher’s sandwiches if you want something easy or ordering up the whole menu at Boxermans to go for a picture-perfect picnic Photograph: @destinationmtl / InstagramWhat can we say It’s a moderately sized park with a lot of beautiful features and all provide a lot of superb spots to lay out a blanket and chow down It’s got some curiosities to explore too or its central pond where ducks gather for your crusts Its design is so curious that it stands out among just about any other spot in the city; we’ve only docked it points here because of its size and getting to nearby shops for food takes a bit more time Photograph: @wilkimage / InstagramFitted out with its central fountain and surrounded by some of the most beautiful architecture in the Plateau this is generally the park newcomers to the city end up in while exploring It’s less of a park and more of a central hub for pedestrians making their way to or from something on the Main but there’s still a lot of good spots to set up a picnic here Just be warned a local panhandler might come up to you for some extra rolling papers or offer to play a song on their guitar This one goes out to everyone who likes a vibrant This peninsula sculpture park on the canal has got so much eye candy thanks to the Musée plein air de Lachine plus a bike path and walking trail that run through it and so many benches to gather on and enjoy a snack (not to mention a whole picnic area) Lawrence River may distract you from conversation at times You can bike here all the way from central Montreal or hop on the metro and grab your snacks along the restaurant strip on Boulevard Saint-Joseph Walk into the depths of this park amid the Prairies River at the northern extreme of the island and you’ll really feel like you’re on an island getaway bulrushes and trilliums—there’s even a little nature beach There’s no food nearby so come equipped with your picnic and a bottle of white wine on ice to celebrate a wonderful day’s escape A post shared by Parcs-nature Ville de Montréal (@parcsnaturemtl) Photograph: Steve DeschênesHit the road, take a hike, visit small-town gems or bask in some big city glory with the best day trips from Montreal. Photograph: Jimmy VigneuxGet the lowdown on exploring the forested grandeur of Canada by using this guide to the best hiking near Montreal. We surveyed 34,000 city-dwellers to rank the best cities in the world right now Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! instagramspotifyAbout us Contact us We make it easy to host your event at one of the most beloved places in Madison From team meetings and private parties to regional conferences and spectacular weddings food and experience to make your event feel effortless and memorable (608) 262-25118:30 am – 4:30 pmMon – Fri The Wisconsin Union is a membership organization Join the ranks of over 110,000 alumni and friends who call the Union home Sign up for our email to enjoy Sydney without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Sydney Sydney is renowned all over the world over for its New Year's Eve fireworks display so why not ring in January 1 fresh from a prime position to view them Up until recently, most of the prime spots to view the fireworks were paid – but then the NSW government went and opened up many vantage points for free They're doing the same thing this year with a range of first-in-best-dressed spots Read on for our full guide to watching the 2024 New Year's Eve fireworks for free in Sydney Savour the western side of the Sydney Harbour at Simmons Point Reserve free of charge. It's busy here, but not super crowded, with the reserve on the northeastern tip holding 300 people for the fireworks. As with many a Balmain foreshore, it has an uninterrupted view of the bridge, BYO alcohol is allowed, but there are no toilets (you’ll have to pop round to another of the nearby parks for those). Commanding unique views of Sydney Harbour, McKell is a secret sanctuary where you can swim in the harbour via the sandstone steps, and set your picnic basket down on the water's edge. Why not take the family out to this oasis and spend the last day of the year enjoying Sydney's fireworks? Overlooking Cowper Wharf in Woolloomoolloo, Embarkation Park has a great view of the Harbour Bridge, but beware that the lovely foliage here does mean some limited viewing.  Photograph: SuppliedOpen from 3pm-12.30am If you're a harbour-loving puppy owner, you'll know that this dog-friendly foreshore has incredible sightlines out towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The secluded spot in Rose Bay is an alcohol-free zone and there won't be any food being sold. So it's going to be all about the views here. But take it from us. They're worth it.   If you want to cling to the foreshore, you can stay relatively central and still nab a free firework-viewing seat at Pirrama Park. This family-friendly site doesn't get crowded and offers glorious views over Blackwattle Bay. It can accommodate 7,000 party-goers and will be offering food and drinks all night. If you don't want to buy booze, you can bring it yourself. Live music will soundtrack the night from 5pm onwards, and there are water fountains and food trucks and a licenced bar so you can buy booze; leave yours at home for this venue. Photograph: Cassandra HannaganOpen from 1pmThe Rocks precinct will have five vantage points (Campbell’s Cove West Circular Quay and Hickson Road Reserve) Each of the venues offer their own advantage: with Campbell’s Cove boasting uninterrupted views of the harbour Dawes Point Park and Hickson Road Reserve offering sheltered picnic spots from beneath the bridge and East and West Circular Quay situating you right in the centre of the action Each of The Rocks’ public vantage points are alcohol-free areas, so to stay hydrated, we’d recommend checking out our list of the best restaurants and bars in Circular Quay – they're a failsafe option for an excellent final dinner of the year. Photograph: Supplied | Darling HarbourOpen from 1pm Home to a sprawling children’s playground complete with slides it’s safe to say that Darling Harbour is an excellent family-friendly option The free-to-access Cockle Bay vantage opens at 1pm so you’ll have time to fit in a few hours of play (and possibly a visit to Sea Life Aquarium or Madame Tussauds) before catching the 9pm display Food-wise, head to Darling Square for an exhaustive range of options. Blues Point Reserve has excellent harbour, city and bridge views and a maritime-themed playground for the kids so when they open at 9am there will be plenty to entertain the fam. This family-friendly site can accommodate up to 7,000 people, and there will be food venues on site. If you're not in the mood to fork out hundreds to tickets for Luna Park's prime possie by the harbour bridge, you can do the next best (free) thing at Bradfield Park and Mary Booth Reserve. Combined, the space can hold up to 16 000 people and there will be plenty of food options on offer. Enjoy grandstand views of Sydney Harbour, and the harbour bridge. Photograph: Anna KuceraWe've gone and collected a list of public toilets that will be open into the wee hours on NYE Visit these when the fireworks are coming and the seal is well and truly broken.  twitterinstagrampinterestAbout us Contact us A singer at a past Opera on the Point event The council circle at the tip of Picnic Point is the perfect place for a fall gathering and now innovative opera company Fresco (which brings opera to suburban garages in summer) brings arias there — as accompaniment to a campfire in the woods The 50-minute program is described as “an evening of ghostly narratives and enchanting opera.” There is a UW parking lot at the entrance to Picnic Point on University Bay Drive and it’s a 0.8-mile trek to the fire circle but donations are suggested (as well as bringing a camp chair) media release: Step into the shadows as Fresco Opera brings haunted fireside tales to life under the starlit sky at Picnic Point Our campfire will serve as the hearth for an evening of ghostly narratives and enchanting opera transporting you to a world where spectral tales and haunting voices intertwine Wander down a shadowed path to the heart of our gathering and let the magic of the night captivate you with a suggested donation at the event of $10 to help support our mystical production Pay what you can—every contribution makes a difference Seating: Limited seating available on the stone wall; bringing your own chair is recommended Note: There are no public restrooms available Join us for an evening of eerie tales and opera under the stars—embrace the unknown at our haunted fireside gathering.. From a dreamy rose garden to a hidden oasis right in the heart of the city these are the best parks in Los Angeles enjoying some time “touching grass” The Culver City-area park features a lotus pond this urban oasis truly stands out with over seven miles of walking and hiking trails winding through the Baldwin Hills offering views of nearly every part of the L.A Basin—from the South Bay and the Pacific Ocean to Downtown and the San Gabriel Mountains that make it seem like the snowcapped mountains are right behind the skyline 📍 Location: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd If your life happens to be downtown centered and you don’t have much time to waste when leaving the office this parks below must be exactly what you need We’ve got a serious soft spot for Gloria Molina Grand Park This 12-acre civic park provides a much needed dose of greenery in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles Stretching from The Music Center all the way to City Hall with arguably the best free programming out of all the parks in the city Not to be confused with the nearby upscale neighborhood Hancock Park sits atop a treasure trove of prehistoric bones You don’t need a museum ticket to explore the Tar Pits just like you can snap pics at the Instagrammable Urban Light sculpture without entering LACMA The green space between these attractions is perfect for picnics and dog walks making it a great spot to enjoy the outdoors near L.A landmarks like the Academy Museum and Petersen Automotive Museum their estate transformed into a cultural landmark with a research library housing over 11 million rare books and manuscripts and hundreds of acres of botanical gardens with diverse and exotic flora Just south of the Arroyo Seco’s most famous tenant—the Rose Bowl—this 62-acre park offers a scenic green space set against the stunning San Gabriel Mountains a pirate ship-themed playground at Reese’s Retreat If you’re looking for a romantic spot to revel in the rays of golden hour This beautiful park has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was once a commercial olive orchard before a wealthy socialite and lover of the arts It was then that the iconic Hollyhock House was built designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Write Some 500 olive trees still dot the landscape today but the park and the famed house is now open to the public to enjoy and bask in the beauty of the city this gem of a spot boasts impressive views of the Hollywood Hills It’s one of the most charming places to throw down a blanket and nibble on some picnic goodies as the sun sets More than just a beautiful place for picnicking or solo strolling the garden holds a little slice of history and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 We recommend making a visit during blooming season from March to November when the sweet scent of the blooms is at its peak Escape the daily grind at this 105-acre plant and animal sanctuary in Long Beach where you’ll find two miles of dirt trails and a quarter-mile paved path that meander around two lakes The Nature Center is part of the larger El Dorado Regional Park which has sports fields and a golf course in its western half If you have a furry best friend that you take with you on your urban outdoor adventures these parks are the perfect place for a relaxing walk with your pet best friend Remember that concrete channel where the Terminator chased John Connor in T2 running through the Valley near Encino Village where dog owners take their pets to the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park and fir trees perfect for sniffing and chewing offers benches and picnic tables for resting or enjoying lunch Pollywog Park in Manhattan Beach is a great spot for your pup It even has separate areas for big and small dogs Just remember to clean up after your furry friend the UW-Madison Police Department was contacted by campus staff regarding graffiti at Picnic Point officers located the graffiti — numerous tags were sprayed on one of the fire pits Damage is estimated to be more than $1,500 It’s believed the tagging (pictured below) took place sometime between Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon Anyone with information — or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Picnic Point area during that time frame — is asked to call the UW-Madison Police Department at (608) 264-COPS Could there be a more perfect setting for a picnic in New York City than Central Park? From lakeside lawns to shaded hillsides, there are seemingly infinite spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy some delicious treats (try these grab & go picnics which come individually packed in their own reusable tote!) as you take in the beautiful views we've put together a list of the top 7 places to have a picnic in Central Park so all you have to do is choose one and head on over Remember to check out our picnic packages and tips on planning a Central Park picnic before you go Location: MAP | Mid-park between 79th Street and 85th Street The Great Lawn is 55-acres of wide open space located at the geographical center of Central Park but in the 1930s it was filled in with excavation material from Rockefeller Center the Great Lawn has hosted many famous concerts and cultural events it is a great place to sit back and relax while you snack on a picnic Picnic Recommendation: Our American and Classic Picnics include baguettini sandwiches Individually packed in their own reusable totes Location: MAP | Between W Sheep Meadow is a 15-acre pasture that used to be home to a flock of sheep until 1934. Today, it is a quiet place to relax and sunbathe or enjoy a bite to eat. It is one of the park's eight designated "quiet zones," which means that you can't play music while you are there (you must wear headphones), and you can't bring Fido either. This is also where we hold our weekly yoga classes which you can attend before your picnic to work up an appetite Picnic Recommendation: Our Deluxe Picnic includes locally produced cheeses Individually packed in its own reusable tote Location: MAP | Mid-park at 79th Street Belvedere Castle provides one of the best views of both the park and the New York City skyline. Set up your picnic blanket on the lawns near the castle for a romantic picnic setting and a killer photo op Picnic Recommendation: Our Gold Picnic includes our signature baguettinis, local cheese platter, crudites, seasonal salad, cookies & brownies, chips, lemonade & water, plus set up with blankets & pillows, and clean up! Or try our Brunch Picnic Everything you need for a perfect picnic experience Location: MAP | Between W Great Hill is a perfect choice for picnicking in the heavily wooded it is one of the only areas where you can enjoy your meal at a picnic table Picnic Recommendation: Our Family Picnic includes assorted baguettinis Location: MAP | Mid-park at 72nd Street Bow Bridge is one of the most picturesque – and recognizable – areas of Central Park It starred as the setting for a great number of movies such as "You've Got Mail" and it is hailed as one of the most romantic spots in the city The bridge sits atop the Central Park Lake linking Cherry Hill to the Ramble (woodlands) It's best to picnic on the gentle slopes of Cherry Hill overlooking the bridge as the rowboats glide by, which is why we recommend this location as the setting for our romantic and proposal picnic packages Picnic Recommendation: Our Romantic Basket for Two includes a basket filled with locally produced cheeses, meats, olives, jam and chocolate, plus a complimentary bottle of bubbly, glasses, servingware, linens, and a blanket. Or upgrade to the Ultimate Picnic Delivery basket which adds on baguettini sandwiches Location: MAP | Between W Strawberry Fields is a living memorial to John Lennon located just outside this area of Central Park If you visit Strawberry Fields make sure you keep your voice down as it is also one of the park's designated quiet zones Picnic Recommendation: Our American and Classic Picnics include our signature baguettini sandwiches Location: MAP | Between W The Pool in Central Park is not a swimming area but rather a man-made lake that was created by damming up a natural stream in the park It is located in the northwest area of the park and provides an area of grassy solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the city Picnic Recommendation: Our Social Picnic Party comes complete with an entire picnic set up including extra space We hope you find your perfect New York moment at one of these amazing picnic locations Remember to check out all of our picnic packages and tips on planning a Central Park picnic before you go What could be more romantic than a hamper packed for two and sweeping harbour views and more head to one of Sydney's very best picnic spots And don't worry, we've done the research on if there’s parking toilets and barbecues available. All you've got to do is pop the champers sit back and have a right good picnicking time.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas Photograph: Robert PolmearBest for: A meal in sheltered surrounds.Parking: Yes, but you'll have to aim for the surrounding streets.Is there shade? YesOther facilities: There's floral feasts for the eyes at the flower gardens, plus sculptures and pleanty of seating areas.Can I BYO? YesWhat's my view? Sydney Harbour and our beautiful Bridge.And is there toilet access? No, head to Quibaree Park for the closest pitstop. Photograph: Destination NSW | Andrew GregoryBest for: A ‘floating picnic’ with takeaway fish and chips. Parking: Yes, but parking on the beach is paid and you'll have to fight for a park in summer. Other facilities: Step straight down onto the sand, go for a swim in Balmoral Beach or follow the footpath to the local shops for snacks and drinks. Can I BYO? Yes, except between 9pm and 6am. What's my view? The beautiful blue waters of Balmoral Beach. And is there toilet access? Yes, but they’re located off the island Photograph: Cassandra HannaganBest for: Watching the sunset over the harbour.Parking: There's metered parking for 300 cars located under the park.Is there shade? NoOther facilities: There's a massive cultural space called the Cutaway.Can I BYO? YesWhat's my view? You've got Sydney Harbour Bridge to the right, Balmain, Pyrmont and Darling Harbour to the left, with glittering harbour all around.And is there toilet access? Yes, in two locations. Photograph: Destination NSW | Hamilton LundBest for: Unrivalled views of the harbour and city, and plenty of non-eating activities.Parking: Limited, with some spots on Milson Road and Cremorne Road.Is there shade? YesOther facilities: Swim in the Maccallum pool (it's free), or use the walking track, picnic tables, playground and gym stations. Dogs are welcome on leashes.Can I BYO? NoWhat's my view? Those harbour sparkles.And is there toilet access? Yes Photograph: Diana ShypulaBest for: A sustainable setting to picnic, play and explore. Parking: Yes, street parking is available. Other facilities: A waterfront walkway, picnic tables, a café, a native community garden and a centre for sustainability. What's my view? A prime spot to watch the sun go down over the sea. Photograph: Destination NSWBest for: A scenic picnic in the heart of the city. Parking: Yes, 24-hour meter street parking is available on Mrs Macquarie Road and Hospital Road for $5-$9 per hour. The closest parking stations are the Domain car park and the Wharf Wolloomoolloo car park. Other facilities: There are multiple lawns, the Calyx, a Palm House, Maiden Theatre, rose garden, Botanic Gardens Restaurant and Café, and picnic boxes for $49.50pp available from Terrace on the Domain (must be pre-ordered 24 hours in advance). What's my view? Sprawling gardens, native plants, ancient trees and stunning views of the harbour. Photograph: Destination NSW | Daniel TranBest for: A postcard-perfect picnic by the water.  Other facilities: Amphitheatre, old-stone jetty, small beach and bushland walking tracks. What's my view? Breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. Photograph: Destination NSW | Paul McMillanBest for: Rally the troops for a relaxed picnic or barbie followed by a paddle.  Parking: Yes, a small car park is available from Parsley Road.   Other facilities: There’s a short bushland walking circuit to a waterfall, an impressive wooden footbridge built in the 1930s, a shallow beach, a playground, and a kiosk for food and drinks. What's my view? A calm beach with multi-millionaires' houses and dense foliage. Be sure to look out for Eastern Water Dragons that can be seen sunning along the watercourse in summer.  Photograph: Unsplash | Dmitry OsipenkoBest for: Spreading wayyyy out (it's huge) and lazing on the grass.Parking: Yes Is there shade? There are covered areas and plenty of treesOther facilities: There's one of everything: restaurants, cafés, a kiosk, bicycle hire, horseriding, off-leash dog-walking areas a bike path, running path and walking path.Can I BYO? YesWhat's my view? Surrounding parkland.And is there toilet access? Yes Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSWBest for: A sunset session with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Parking: Limited two-hour paid parking along Kent, Watson and Argyle streets Other facilities: Public access to Australia’s first observatory and a prized rotunda that is popular for weddings and events. What's my view? Panoramic views across Sydney city and the harbour. And is there toilet access? Yes, at the Argyle Street entrance. Photograph: Destination NSW | Alexandra AdoncelloBest for: A secret Northside picnic spot.  Parking: You can park on the street or just walk five to ten-minutes from Waverton train station.  Other facilities: Walking tracks with traditional Indigenous engravings and art sites, picnic benches, barbecue facilities, a playground and viewing platforms for the best photo opps.  What's my view? You tell us how many Sydney icons can you spot. And is there toilet access? Yes, next to the car park. Photograph: Wikimedia | Maksym KozlenkoBest for: A refreshing respite from the heat and hubbub of the inner city.Parking YesIs there shade? YesOther facilities: There's a teahouse, barbecues, and playground. Dogs are permitted on leashes as you walk through the colourful gardens.Can I BYO? NoWhat's my view? Flower, flowers, flowers. You'll also be looking out over Yowie Bay.And is there toilet access? Yes  Best for: A picturesque garden-harbour mash-up.Parking: There's very limited street parking, so set sail on the public ferry to the Darling Point Wharf.Is there shade? YesOther facilities: There's the playground to keep kids busy, sandstone sculptures, an impressively manicured garden and the heritage listed Canonbury Cottage.Can I BYO? NoWhat's my view? Only some of the best in town – Sydney Harbour and our beloved Bridge.And is there toilet access? Yes Best for: This quiet bushy space is a gem for easy breezy afternoons.  Parking: Yes, and it is also accessible by ferry from Woolwich Dock. Is there shade? Yes, if you can nab some grass under the trees. Other facilities: Luscious lawns, a foreshore boardwalk, wharf access, gazebos and barbecue facilities. What's my view? Million dollar water views looking east towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photograph: Wikimedia | John GillmoreBest for: A big family affair with a side of harbour views. Parking: Free street parking, but you might have to walk a fair bit down the hill to get to the island. Other facilities: A 20-minute bush walk that interprets Berry Island's Aboriginal history, playground, picnic tables, barbecue areas, a water fountain and a small beach. What's my view? Endless waters and a distant city skyline. Best for: A romantic picnic on a sunny afternoon.  Parking: There is limited on-street parking on Blues Point Road, but it’s just a five-minute walk from McMahons Point ferry wharf or a ten-minute walk from North Sydney train station. Is there shade? There is some shade under the Port Jackson and Morton Bay figs. Other facilities: Picnic tables, a maritime-themed playground, seats, a bubbler and a recycling station. What's my view? Spectacular views of the city, the harbour and the bridge. Photograph: Jordan KretchmerBest for: A lazy Sunday afternoon with the kids and your four-legged friends. Parking: Yes, street parking is available.  Other facilities: An expansive park, small outdoor gym, cricket pitch, playground facilities and a barbecue area. What's my view? Uninterrupted views of the city skyline. Best for: Sandwiches and a swim in Sydney's south.Parking: Limited along the Grand Parade – or try the car park to the south.Is there shade? Yes, in the park.Other facilities: There's four tidal pools, a walking path, bike track and a foreshore reserve. The beach also has a minimal swell that makes it suitable for fishing and swimming.Can I BYO? No.What's my view? That beautiful big blue wet thing.And is there toilet access? Yes Best for: River-side lounging.Parking: YesShade: YesOther facilities: You can swim laps at the 20m pool inside the Como Swimming Complex (it's seasonal with free admission) and at the netted tidal baths walking path and bike track.Can I BYO? NoWhat's my view? The Georges River and surrounding bushland.And is there toilet access? Yes and scenic views – only a few of the things that make some of our favourite Pōneke picnicking places so good Here’s our pick of places to explore in Wellington this summer and some climate-friendly ways to get there Three new parklets have popped up across Wellington city there are more opportunities to make the most of daylight hours after work or dinner Service desk locations Contact us: news@app.com.pk Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan The best of Los Angeles straight to your inbox By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Los Angeles without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Los Angeles Layman | The Getty CenterPhotograph: Jakob N LaymanThe best picnic spots in Los AngelesRoll out a blanket at these 20 picnic spots scattered around Los Angeles here are the 20 best picnic spots in Los Angeles for a casual but memorable alfresco meal Need to bring some snacks along? Here’s where to stock up on picnic food Photograph: Courtesy Joel MottIf you’re willing to pay for parking, you’ll be rewarded with this wide and rarely crowded patch of sand and surf. You can repel up and down the beach’s namesake rock face or take an idyllic hike along its summit. With all of the parking spots only steps from the sand, Point Dume is the perfect place to pack a picnic for a beachfront meal as seals and dolphins frolic in front of the sunset—just watch out for those hungry seagulls. Photograph: Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock.comTake the time to walk around the dusty garden trails and rocky adventure areas of this Westlake and Echo Park spot. But the real star here is its grassy central field, with perfectly framed views of the Downtown skyline and a half-dozen dedicated picnic areas around its perimeter. Photograph: ShutterstockThe slow, lumbering mission to turn Downtown L.A. into a vibrant cultural hub got a lift when Grand Park officially opened to the public in July 2012. Dotted with fountains, picnic lawns and plenty of nooks from which to sit and people-watch, Grand Park is a bright urban oasis that proves the city has a sense of romance. Roll out a blanket on the southern event lawn or take a seat at one of the many bright pink benches. Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time OutCarved into the hills above the Hollywood Reservoir’s walking paths but below a turnout of sightseeing vans, this grassy field feels like a dog-friendly Shangri-La. You don’t have to have four legs to enjoy the scenery, thanks to a small playground, shaded picnic benches and one of the most fantastic views of the Hollywood Sign. Photograph: Rozette Rago for Time OutA former reservoir turned public recreation area, the historic Echo Park Lake has become a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue. You can push your way through the lake in a pedal boat or stroll around the path that hugs its borders. Either way, make sure to bring along some snacks. Photograph: trekandshoot / Shutterstock.comThe former home of writer, cowboy philosopher, trick-roper and the first honorary mayor of Beverly Hills has been maintained as it was in the 1930s. The 186-acre grounds give access to some good hikes and breathtaking ocean views, alongside picnic tables and grills. Photograph: ShutterstockThis huge Culver City-area park contains a lotus pond, fishing lake and sand volleyball court. But the urban oasis really establishes itself with more than seven miles of walking and hiking trails through Baldwin Hills, with views of almost every corner of L.A. You’ll find eight picnic rental shelters and 100 picnic tables throughout the park—though we’re all for just spreading out a blanket. Photograph: Sherry V Smith / Shutterstock.comYou can explore exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, but this spot’s real treasure is its stunning vista of the Pacific. You could roll out a blanket on the limited grassy areas, but we suggest snagging a picnic table as close to the seaside cliff as possible. The Interpretive Center’s small amphitheater is also a great spot to sit, snack, chat and watch whale migrations. Photograph: ShutterstockBalboa is a large family-friendly park known for its beautiful lake and serene picnic spots. Summers can get a bit toasty in the Valley, so stick to the springtime for a picnic; you’ll also be rewarded with a view of the park’s stunning cherry blossom bloom. Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time OutThis parking lot turned park is a thoughtfully designed ocean-adjacent oasis that harbors a playground small waterfalls and walking paths and a pair of conch-like wireframe lookouts by the Pacific ledges and grassy fields perfect for a picnic Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Urban OutbackerIn addition to shaded play areas and a slew of activity centers at this South Bay park, you’ll find a picnic area with plenty of tables and barbecues, as well as three gazebos. At the center of it all is a large pond, home to ducks and geese. Photograph: Courtesy CinespiaWe won’t stop you from picnicking here on any given weekend if you’re into such a macabre outing, but we’ve included this Hollywood cemetery for its Cinespia screenings. It isn’t summer in L.A until hoards of movie-lovers flock to Hollywood Forever toting folding chairs rite of passage; just be sure to arrive early twitterinstagramspotifyAbout us Time Out magazine Get our Weekly Top Picks of Things to Do Around the Orlando Area Our weather is glorious, the sun is shining, and being outdoors is an enjoyable activity (except in the peak of summer). With so many parks and gardens in Orlando packing up a picnic basket with someone special and having your lunch al fresco sounds like the perfect date idea here are our picks for 10 perfect picnic spots in Orlando to help you start planning your outdoorsy interlude PS: Don't feel like packing up your own picnic basket? Several local companies offer full-themed picnic packages that include luxurious setups, snacks, and drinks. Check out our post on Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Romantic Orlando Picnic for more ideas Most recent update by Meghan Roth in January 2024 Dotted with giant cypress trees, Kraft Azalea Garden is a public park open year-round to guests Located just off the shores of Lake Maitland and areas where you can put down a blanket and have a nice little picnic but with such an amazing view of the lake and azalea gardens It is truly a hidden gem – you might even want to call it the “secret garden” of Winter Park Important tip – Parking can get difficult on the weekends and this is a popular photoshoot spot on the weekends This garden has lots of history plus breathtaking views throughout. The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is a three-acre outdoor garden bordering Lake Osceola Many of the plants were planted by Polasek plus several other twentieth-century sculptors Plan to visit the museum while you're there; admission is $12.Tue – Sat: 10 a.m – 4 p.m.Sun: 1 – 4 p.m.Mon: Closed The park gets its name from the sparkling lake in the center which is dotted with lily pads and teeming with turtles A stunning gazebo is located on the premises along with many picnic tables and benches throughout the park Couples can be regularly spotted having picnics at these benches or atop a blanket on the ground (there are many huge trees everywhere There's also a lovely walking path that surrounds the lake including a portion that is the oldest brick road in Florida fenced-in playground provides a spot to entertain the kids if you happen to have them along it is located near a bike and walking trail that winds through most of Maitland Impress your date: After arriving at Lake Lily Park, use the crosswalk to cross the street so you can head to Antonio's Italian Restaurant which has a lovely Italian Market and Cafe downstairs Browse the vast selection of gourmet nibbles Then head back to Lake Lily Park and select one of the many tables or lay out a lush picnic blanket and gaze at the views Related: 11 Ideas for the Perfect Date Night in Maitland Smack dab in the middle of Downtown Orlando Lake Eola Park is a go-to destination for Orlandoans for everything and anything – and that includes picnicking With open grassy patches scattered throughout the park there are lots of locations to pick from to lay out a blanket and enjoy the sunshine with your significant other The Orlando Farmers Market takes over on Sundays when you can take a picnic basket and purchase a bunch of fresh produce and other local products to enjoy anywhere in the park When it comes to the best picnic spots in Orlando, it doesn't get much better than Central Park. Located just off Winter Park's fabulous and swanky Park Avenue this park boasts 11 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and fountains Central Park plays host to a variety of events and activities but anytime is ideal for a visit The oak tree canopy is one of the natural beauties of this park along with the Rose Garden on the southern side of the park The West Meadow is another great option in this park for a picnic For a picnic and a movie date, check out the free monthly outdoor movie series, Popcorn Flicks, hosted by Enzian Theater. Related: Plan an Outdoorsy Date Using the SunRail Schedule and Routes Another beautiful garden to discover is Harry P. Leu Gardens which is located in the Audubon Park Garden District and houses nearly 50 acres of roses You're not permitted to have a picnic during regular hours but you can bring food and wine with you during certain special events such as the monthly movie night event when tons of couples bring baskets brimming with gourmet treats and wine In the heart of Downtown Kissimmee on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho), Kissimmee Lakefront Park is a scenic and beautiful sight to behold a concession stand that sells food and beverages Want to make a full day out of your date? Combine your picnic with walking or biking the paved path along Lakeshore Blvd and Neptune Rd and exploring Historic Downtown Kissimmee to check out the colorful murals Related: Nature Parks Near Orlando’s Theme Parks A private, liberal arts college located in Winter Park near Park Avenue, Rollins College was founded in 1885 and is filled with lots of secluded You can find Spanish moss dripping from most of the trees on campus and if you walk to the southern border of the campus you will stumble upon placid Lake Virginia you'll have no problem finding dozens of grassy expanses to enjoy lunch outside Located in the Ivanhoe Village area, Gaston Edwards Park is a slice of natural beauty and serenity in an otherwise hustle and bustle part of town Complete with open fields and also picnic tables scattered throughout the park it is located off the shores of Lake Ivanhoe making it a great place to have a picnic and then walk around Ivanhoe Village's antique shops For more than 30 years, this park served as the Orlando Naval Training Center and had service personnel known as “Blue Jackets” on its site. In 2000, the City of Orlando designated a certain area as a public park for people to enjoy – hence the name Blue Jacket Park and open green space provide multiple spaces to indulge in your DIY feast at this picnic spot in Orlando Unpack your basket by one of the fountains If you're looking for a place where you can picnic and throw a Frisbee or football around Dinky Dock ParkOllie AvenueWinter Park Bok Tower Gardens1151 Tower BoulevardLake Wales Langford Park1808 E Lake Baldwin Park2000 S Mead Botanical Garden1500 S Feature image credit: Serena Lyn @livingbydisney (813) 949-4400info@datenightguide.com320 W The Best Restaurants in Noe Valley San Francisco’s Best New Restaurants, May 2025 The 18 Best Restaurants and Bars in the Mission San Francisco’s best parks for an al fresco meal McLaren Park is actually the second largest park in all of San Francisco large enough for five separate picnic areas and six playgrounds There’s even a genuine redwood grove near one of the picnic areas toward the northern tip of the park a place to relax and reflect on the exploratory spirit of California itself the park’s southern bearings and extra hilly disposition mean it remains oft-overlooked and even many longtime San Franciscans have still never set foot in its 300-plus acres What to pack: Sandwiches from Roxie Food Center This unassuming corner shop at 1901 San Jose Avenue is SF sandwich royalty a beloved-by-locals place to get a hot or cold sandwich packed with meat and fixings It’s also one of the few places in SF that’ll make a hot veggie because non-meat-eaters deserve melty cheese A post shared by andy (@andysokay) on Dec 27 Heron’s Head Park is a peninsula flanked on either side by India Basin and Lash Lighter Basin offering a tiny slice of reclaimed wetlands that the city has carefully restored to something very close to its natural state There are actually over 100 types of native birds that rely on this 22-acre site — including the great blue heron whose profile resembles the shape of the park as sometimes the salt marsh smell can spoil your outing But that’s nature for you: It doesn’t always play nice Cafe Envy has a lot of credibility when it comes to chicken as owner April Spears has also been slinging fried chicken and waffles at Auntie April’s for years which are marinated in a house secret dressing before they head to the smoker travel well — and come with carrots and celery to make sure you’ve gotten your vegetables A post shared by San Francisco Parks Alliance (@sfparksalliance) on Aug 6 a classic is a classic for all the right reasons This grassy gathering spot just northwest of Crissy Field is hardly a well-kept local secret and on some days the crowds or the rolling fog may spoil the atmosphere for your outing But those afternoons when the Bay warms up and the sky turns that perfect shade of blue to clash with the soaring towers of the Golden Gate Bridge nearby are a special kind of San Francisco magic one for which there really is no substitute What to pack: Rillettes and salads from Routier  Before rolling into the park, hit the brakes for Routier Patisserie team is rich in savory provisions including swordfish rillettes and pork rillettes A post shared by Julia (@juliadances84) on Aug 20 This is hardly strictly the only place to spend a leisurely hour in Golden Gate Park but of all the stretches of well-tended greenery to stretch out on it’s one of the most persistently in-demand commemorating a time when latter-day San Francsicans engaged in horse-and-buggy races through the hollow — yes Now of course it’s more famous as the park’s best music venue but those who live nearby have the privilege of enjoying the picturesque park-within-a-park anytime What to pack: To-go tiki drinks from Trad’r Sam Trad’r Sam is reportedly the oldest tiki bar in the U.S. opened right “after” the Prohibition — so you know that their to-go cocktail game is strong as they’re not ones for online ordering — but they serve fast A post shared by One Leg Chris (@1legchris) on May 3 South Park was San Francisco’s first public park provided you can prevent a certain Primus song from harrying your memory the moment anyone utters its name The benefits of a multi-million dollar 2017 renovation made this midday getaway spot one of the most inviting and user-friendly greenspaces in the city Less than an acre in size and surrounded by its namesake neighborhood South Park is not a place you go to get away from the city vibes but rather to immerse yourself in them in style Once an unassuming coffee shop known for its strong brew, 67-year-old SoMa coffee shop HRD was transformed in 2009 into a Korean/fusion spot with lines out the door Their kimchee burritos are the star of the spot A post shared by Dom Nagar (@domnagar) on Aug 1 Here’s what San Francisco looked like in 1856 The 30 best things to do in San Francisco with kids Getting to the top of Billy Goat Hill will work up an appetite well in advance of your picnic but the hillside is not so challenging that even the most sedentary amateur hiker can’t manage it the panorama of nearly all of northern San Francisco is tough to beat — think of it as a Twin Peaks view for a fraction of the work The rope swing here is an unpredictable variable — sometimes present sometimes out of commission — but it makes an unforgettable finale to your outing when it does appear Before strolling into the residential neighborhood, stop by Buen Comer at the top of Mission is still packaging up her tender homestyle tamales A post shared by Eric Trinh (@erictrinh) on Jul 18 We can sum up the abiding appeal of a walk into Stern Grove in one word: eucalyptus The descendants of George Greene’s original Australian transplants not only provide shade and a famously mellow and relaxing aroma but the scale of the grove’s plantings encircles potential picnic spots so completely that it feels like a world apart a natural cradle where residents of and visitors to the city’s west side alike can meditate free of their troubles for a time Just a few blocks north on Taraval, swing by Stix Deep-fried snacks go hand in hand with sweet boba drinks and nothing loves a walk to the park as much as a dog on a stick A post shared by Schliffy (sh•lif•ee) (@schliffypoo) on Aug 9 But if you prefer to skip the hiking and keep things on the level Precita Park stretches across three blocks just to the north creating an easily accessible green corridor There’s a hardworking butterfly garden here providing for local lepidoptera but those interested in SF flora might be more inspired by a recent phenomena: Now that park-goers are spending a lot of time chilling inside social distancing circles in the meadow industrious flowers have sprouted all over the spaces in between them encouraged by the relative lack of foot traffic through those spots Wise Sons and ready to pack up bagels with smoked salmon or big meaty reubens with tubs of kraut and pickles on the side A post shared by Danielle Gasbarro (@ph_t_s) on Apr 8 Lake Merced is a critical piece of SF’s natural infrastructure beloved of both golfers and local birds and noted for its extremely dramatic foggy mornings If you wait for the fog to burn off and the grassy shores to warm up it’s about as isolated as you can feel while still within the city limits but none anywhere close to these proportions — in fact Lake Merced is actually a system of two lakes A number of obscure landmarks dot the area like sculptor Beniamino Bufano’s penguin statue near the southern tip or the markers where a state senator and Supreme Court justice fought a duel in the 19th century — actually just over the line in Daly City On your way to the lake, swing west to the end of Taraval, where Underdogs Too is ready to send you off with a bag packed with surf-style tacos but the main thing to know is to order then “Nick’s way,” which will get you an additional crispy crispy corn tortilla inside the soft one A post shared by Traveling Brooklyn Foodie (@dineandflash) on Sep 1 This hilltop in Golden Gate Heights Park is a deceptively unusual SF landmark Lots of city parks strive to represent San Francisco in a natural state but some of those states are stranger than others dune-covered hill recalls the desert outside lands that once carpeted the city’s entire west side consisting of sands deposited here by the currents of melting glaciers at the end of the most recent Ice Age If you don’t feel like climbing you can have a bite in the park’s low-lying flat lands but those who hike to the top will get a view of the Pacific like none other atop what local writer Gary Kamiya calls “the city’s seafront balcony.” What to pack: Salami sandwiches from Guerra Quality Meats  The closest sandwich spot is in fact a salami institution. Swing by Guerra’s for outstandingly meaty sandwiches on crisp ciabatta buns A post shared by Kwanrudee (@virgo_sep17) on Jan 20 it remains a little hard to tell how Salesforce Park is fitting in with San Francisco especially after the public health crisis turned the surrounding downtown blocks into a bit of a ghost town This new arrival still feels like a visitor its strategically positioned park perch offers what no other picnic spot can: the surreal tranquility of rising four stories above what are usually San Francisco’s busiest streets Along with a few other rooftop public spaces it’s a place you can go to really feel above it all What to pack: Wine and cheese from the Ferry Building After a brief July gasp during which classifications closed the food hall, its 20-plus merchants, including Acme Bread and Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant are back at it A post shared by America Through My Lens (@_americathroughmylens) on Dec 3 It’s difficult to imagine a more dramatic-sounding name for any landmark than Lands End—and indeed sitting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean spray on the rocks below Battery Lobos and staring out toward where the often gray San Francisco sky touches the stormy horizon does feel very much like coming to a remarkable stopping point on those days when the sun breaks through the fog a trek up to the batteries furnishes an extra Zen-like quality for the ocean perspective that can’t be replicated anywhere else What to pack: Breakfast sandwiches from Devil’s Teeth  If the fresh sea air isn’t enough to revive you, a buttermilk biscuit sandwich that’s bigger than your face always does the trick. Don’t forget, Devil’s Teeth has that new location on Balboa A post shared by Lacey Bannister (@lacey_bannister) on Aug 29