Vancouver Ice Cream Social: Your Voice in our Park Network

After the success of last year’s event, Park People is excited to host our second network-wide event in Vancouver on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Museum of Vancouver, a venue fostering connection, learning and experiences of the city’s diverse communities and histories.

All are welcome! Whether you’re already an active part of our Vancouver park network or connecting with us for the first time, we want to hear what you say about your local parks!

Join other park lovers and community leaders for a fun and casual afternoon, sharing stories, art, and ice cream. Don’t miss the opportunity to make valuable connections and resources to advocate better, improve and animate your neighbourhood park or green space.

Registering for the Vancouver Ice Cream Social gives you access to all the museum exhibitions for free on the event day. You can arrive early or linger afterward to experience another side of Vancouver through stories, objects and shared experiences. We particularly recommend checking out That which sustains us and Unity Indigenous Plant Garden.

Email us to let us know how we can support your attendance at jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca. 

Register now

Email Joy

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Agenda

1:30 | CHECK-IN 

Join us at 1:30 p.m. at the Museum of Vancouver to enjoy delicious ice cream, engage in fun activities, and connect with like-minded people! 

Explore the venue, get a sneak peek at our planned exciting activities, and meet other city park enthusiasts, including members of community groups and park organizations. 

2:00 | WELCOME AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our event is taking place in Sen̓áḵw on the ancestral lands of the Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam) and səlilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. 

2:30 | TIME TO MINGLE

• Enjoy some ice cream and light snacks* over a conversation about your inspiring work, ideas, and visions for the future of your urban parks.
• Join one of our four dialogue tables to hear and share your perspectives on park accessibility, climate change adaptation, volunteer recruitment, and more.
• Check out the stations about Park People and other groups to learn about what we and they do and how we can collaborate or support your work!

*Gluten-free and vegan options will be available. 

3:20 | PARK GROUPS PRESENTATION

Get to know some of the fantastic members of the Park People Vancouver Network! Attend presentations by park groups to learn about their inspiring work and recent accomplishments.

4h20 | PRIZES AND CLOSING REMARKS

Park People will give quick closing remarks and distribute fun prizes for the surprise activity winners.

Attendance is free; all you need to do is register!

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Accessibility

• Language: This event will be facilitated in English.
• Location accessibility: The meetup will take place in a room on the main floor of the Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park. The pathway to the building’s entrance features inclines at various points. It is wide and designed to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. 
• Parking: There is a parking lot in front of the building. It is a paved surface car park operated by Easy Park and requires payment. There is also street parking available. 
• Public transportation: 
  • By bus: Take a #2 bus, exit Cornwall Ave and Cypress Street and walk Northeast for 600m – approximately 8 min to the Museum (towards the water).
  • By ferry: Take the False Creek Ferries (from downtown or other destinations along False Creek), drop off on the shore of Vanier Park and walk southeast.
  • By Bike: there is a Mobi Bike Share on Chestnut Street & McNicoll Avenue; the museum is located near bike routes and the seawall; bike racks are available in front of the building.
  • See all directions to the Museum of Vancouver.
• Weather: The main event will be held indoors. 
• Bathroom: Two bathroom stalls are available in the museum’s lower lobby, which you can access by elevator. They are accessible for two wheelchair users, and one has a changing table. 
• Breaks: There won’t be designed break times, but individuals are encouraged to take breaks whenever needed during the event.
• Food: Ice cream and light snacks will be provided during the event. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available. 
• Drinks: We will provide non-alcoholic drinks. Some water stations are available in the lower lobby, we encourage you to bring your own bottle to refill to help minimize waste.
• Sensory: Music will be playing in the background during the event. It will be at low/moderate volume. 
• Interaction level: High. Visitors are encouraged to initiate conversations and engage in discussion with others. However, this is optional.
• Mask policy: Free masks will be provided. Visitors are welcome to wear a mask if that would make them feel more comfortable.
• Service animals are welcome.