Way back in 2004 Higbee Protagonist had a vision*. He wanted to tell people about the wonderful green spaces being lovingly created and tended in SL. Being a talented chap he sat down and started the “Second Life Parks and Recreation Service”. Not content with that, he also made a website, wrote travel guides (obviously a fella of impeccable taste) and even developed a network of in-world kiosks that people could use to find out about the places they could visit, explore and even camp in.
But time and real life are a terrible thing for a lonely visionary to have to face and slowly the service stalled as Hig got busier in RL and SL.
But now… oh now, Hig’s back on the case and has an army** of volunteers and he has worked tirelessly to re-launch the service! What was the Second Life Parks & Recreation Service, is now the Virtual Parks and Recreation Service with a new website (www.virtualparksandrec.com). The remit is the same, but bigger. The kiosks are the same, but better. Hell, there is even a free camping kit Hig has designed with backpack, tent, sleeping bag and fire!
Check out the VPRS website for more details and even some nifty in-depth features to various locations. Join the free group (search groups for the VPRS Supporters group) for regular updates. Get your free guide to some of the most beautiful places in SL from one of the many kiosks (like the one on my island). Just teleport in, left click it and start exploring today.
Thanks to Higbee and to his team of friends for making his vision a virtual reality 
HBA – VPRS Columnist and proud of it!
************************************
p.s. While you’re fried up about the VRPS, why not join Osprey Therian’s photography contest – the theme is The Wilds and is a perfect opportunity for you to get out and explore SL’s beautiful corners with the VPRS guide in hand. You’ll find more details on my island and in Osprey’s gallery in Grignano.
* So did I, but a quick google of ‘naked’ & ‘uma thurman’ fixed that.
** S’true! We even have uniforms and a he makes us march to drill for 12 hours a day!
Janey Bracken
11 November, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Hi Head,
Just recently I’ve looked around some of the places recommended by the VPRS, and they are really worth a visit, such beautiful and tranquil places to go to. Even the VPRS website is a thing of beauty and well worth looking at. Still trying to get myself together to do a picture for Osprey’s competition, have to go back and visit some more locations to see if I can spot any wildlife lurking in the shrubbery
HBA
11 November, 2007 at 3:40 pm
/me resists urge to launch into Knights of Ni routine…
Hi J – I’ve done one with wildlife in, so I think I’m looking to do a ‘scenery’ shot next. Not idea where though!