April 21, 2016

Wyden Leads Bipartisan Group of Senators in Introducing Kids to Parks Day Resolution

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, today introduced a Senate measure to encourage active lifestyles for children across America by designating May 21 National Kids to Parks Day.

The sixth annual Kids to Parks Day kicks off a summer-long series of events at local, state and national parks. Kids to Parks Day began in 2011 with the National Park Trust.

More than 73,000 people have pledged to participate in this year’s Kids to Parks Day, according to the National Park Trust.

“A love of the outdoors is rooted in the hearts of Oregonians at an early age, and children who grow up enjoying Oregon’s wondrous treasures develop an appreciation for nature that lasts a lifetime,” Wyden said. “Kids to Parks Day builds on Oregonians’ connection with the outdoors by encouraging young kids and their families to enjoy the health benefits of getting outside, while taking in the vast beauty our state and our country have to offer.”

“As we near the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service, it is a wonderful time to reflect on how lucky we are as a nation to have so many parks with vibrant mountains, canyons, rivers, forests, and more,” Hatch said. “I am particularly proud of Utah’s five national parks, which are loved by Utahns, Americans, and visitors from all over the world. This resolution shines light on our country's incredible geography in a way that encourages children and families to be active and experience our natural wonders, whether by hiking, climbing, camping, or exploring with family and friends.”

“In New Jersey, and all across the country, our parks are a national treasure that encourage Americans to appreciate our natural environment and the great outdoors,” Booker said. “As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, I am pleased to join my colleagues in designating Kids to Parks Day to acknowledge this milestone and encourage kids and families to enjoy our state and national parks.”

"Our parks and public lands in New Mexico and across the country offer infinite opportunities for kids to explore, learn, and play outdoors,” Heinrich said. “Whether it's playing baseball or soccer at a local park down the street or hiking and camping in a national park, encouraging our children to be outside helps maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, and it inspires them to have a lifelong connection to conservation.”

“Hawaii’s parks and monuments highlight our state’s natural wonders and historical events,” Hirono said. “I am proud to support Kids to Parks Day, which encourages families to stay active while developing an appreciation for our environment.”

The sixth annual Kids to Parks Day will be Saturday, May 21, 2016. To find a list of events near you, click here.

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