In advance of Parks 100 in 2011 celebrating 100 years of BC Parks, Environment Minister Barry Penner is encouraging families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy Parks Day in BC's provincial parks. "Our goal is to celebrate the history and legacy of our provincial parks and encourage involvement in the celebrations connected to Parks 100," said Mr. Penner. "Parks Day is a great time to enjoy fun recreational activities and discover more of BC's spectacular network of parks." Parks Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of July in every province and territory.party ever in a provincial park. BC Parks will celebrate its 100th birthday on March 1, 2011. This milestone will engage communities, youth, First Nations, and heritage, arts and tourism sectors in events, competitions and conservation projects designed to promote shared stewardship of B.C.'s natural and cultural resources and healthy, green living. Since 2001 the BC government has established 65 new parks, 144 conservancies, two ecological reserves and nine protected areas, and expanded more than 60 parks and six ecological reserves, protecting more than 1.9 million hectares of additional land. Over the past five years, the B.C. government has invested approximately $107 million to improve park infrastructure and acquire additional parkland. Today, 14.27 per cent (more than 13.5 million hectares) of British Columbia is protected - more than any other province in Canada. This is an area equal in size to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I. combined.