Manawatu Standard

Palmy Rocks reaches another milestone

- Carly Thomas

Heather Knox has been busy painting woo-hoo on rocks in preparatio­n for a celebratio­n of Palmy Rocks’ two-year anniversar­y.

The project is about getting people – kids especially – outside using public parks and spaces.

People are encouraged to paint rocks and hide them around Palmerston North, or wherever they travel to, for people to find.

Knox said she never imagined it would still be going when she had the beginnings of an idea two years ago.

‘‘We thought the idea of leaving rocks in places to draw people to them was a good one. There isn’t any shortage of places to go. We just need to encourage people to get out and go to them.

‘‘I had heard of the rocks idea being done in America and we thought it was a good fit. It has taken off in a way that we never thought it would.’’

A celebratio­n on Sunday is planned at the Palmerston North City Library and Knox said it was nice to mark the milestone.

‘‘There will be lots of cake and people can come and swap rocks if they want. Or they can just eat cake. Everybody is welcome.’’

Knox said she was glad people were still engaged with the idea and that the original ethos of people getting out with their kids was happening.

‘‘I went to Pit Park the other day and there were rocks everywhere. There was a tree with rocks in all the nooks and crannies.

‘‘We see what’s going through the social media, but to see that people are doing their own thing is great. It’s great for mental health. As far as being happy it ticks the boxes.’’

 ?? CARLY THOMAS/STUFF ?? Palmy Rocks is turning 2. Heather Knox, left, started the idea and Kate Parlane helps run the online group.
CARLY THOMAS/STUFF Palmy Rocks is turning 2. Heather Knox, left, started the idea and Kate Parlane helps run the online group.
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