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Greater Shepparton’s parks will be transformed into activity hubs as part of this year’s Activities in the Park program.

The program is a joint venture of Parks Victoria and Greater Shepparton City Council and encourages people to get active while enjoying the area’s parks and outdoor spaces.

More than 75 free events will be offered throughout the municipality, including star-gazing, yoga, kite-making and fishing.

Council leisure facilities officer Carmen Nicholson said the program would offer something for people of all ages, interests and abilities.

‘‘It’s trying to get that philosophy into people’s minds, that it’s not too hard to get out and be active,’’ Ms Nicholson said.

‘‘The fact that it’s free (means) it’s great for families to get involved in.’’

‘‘It’s going to cost them nothing, (so) it also takes a bit of pressure off financially.’’

Ms Nicholson said the program was a great way to get locals and visitors together outside their usual routines.

‘‘It’s amazing to see all the different walks of life at these events,’’ Ms Nicholson said.

‘‘The community-building side of it is really important, it helps to break down a few barriers.’’

Activities began last month and will run until March next year.

Yoga instructor Jen Scandolera, who will run several fitness classes throughout the program, said the activities would give people the opportunity to relax and remember what was important to them.

‘‘I’m very into being out and amongst the environment we have and just getting back to basics,’’ Ms Scandolera said.

‘‘And I think people are looking for that, getting back to grass roots (and) getting out with their families.’’

Ms Scandolera said about 70 people turned out on Saturday for the first Yoga in the Park session of the season.

She encouraged the whole community to follow in their footsteps and support the program.

‘‘It’s just a beautiful event for us to embrace as a country town ... I think that it has really lifted the moral of the whole city,’’ she said.

‘‘If people get out there and do at least one of the programs it’ll encourage the council to continue to provide these sorts of events.’’

●For more information about specific activities, check out What’s On Weekly, each Thursday in the Shepparton News.