July 16, marks Parks Day nationwide and there's lots going on close to town to celebrate the great outdoors.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park will have festivities all day long, Executive Director, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, Susan De Caen says it's important to raise awareness about parks.

"A lot of us don't take the time out of our lives to go out and enjoy nature, and appreciate what we have for natural resources," she says. "Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a hidden gem, a lot of people don't know we exist. Our goal is to get people outside, a lot of us spend our entire week in front of a computer screen, so to get out and enjoy the outdoors is fantastic."

The celebration will begin in the morning with The Run at the Ranch, part of the 5 Peaks trail running series.

There will be a free Children’s Challenge, Timed Kid's Race, Grand Avenue Pharmacy-The Health Store Sports Course, Big Sky Landscaping Enduro Course, and a half marathon. If running isn't your thing, starting at 11:30 free family activities will begin.

"There is hands on activities with the Cochrane Fun Van, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park Foundation program teasers, Alberta Parks Mounted Patrol is on sight, the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation will be there, Cochrane Search and Rescue canine demonstrations, and The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be their with telescopes, and more."

The day also includes face painting, pony rides, ice cream, and plays; for lunch you are encouraged to bring a picnic.

"We're asking people to bring picnics, It's neat to sit down and have a picnic with the family, it's more of an old fashioned outing to enjoy the park and enjoy what we have here at Glenbow."

The Rotary Club of Cochrane is presenting the day, in partnership will many businesses and community members.

"We're really, really fortunate to have support of our neighbours, and support of the community from businesses and Rotary to make this day happen."