Calling All Kids! State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey Encourages Kids to Visit a State Park on May 21!

ALBANY, NY (05/09/2011)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey encouraged children around the state to visit a park for outdoor fun and play on Saturday, May 21st. Children nationwide will take part in a grassroots movement that day to celebrate America's parks through play as they participate in the National Park Trust's first annual National Kids to Parks Day.

"Regularly visiting state parks for play and adventure not only encourages a healthy lifestyle, but can instill in children a lifelong commitment to nature and the environment. It is my hope that children, the future stewards of our environment, become inspired by all the wondrous things they will do and discover in their favorite parks," Commissioner Harvey said.

"From playgrounds to trails, our parks are brimming with countless opportunities for outdoor play--take a hike or a bike ride on a lakeside trail, search for shells on the beach or listen for bird calls on a nature walk," Harvey suggested. "Our parks are made for play, and we are proud to be a part of this nationwide effort to encourage fun physical activity and nature awareness among our youth."

Kids around the country are getting involved in the effort by signing an online pledge to visit a park. New Yorkers can sign the pledge by following the Kids to Parks Day link on the State Parks website, www.nysparks.com. While there, visitors can plan their visit, search the calendar of events for a fun activity at their favorite park, and learn more about state parks. After their visit, families are encouraged to post pictures and stories about their trip on the State Parks Facebook page.

"The National Park Trust is a leader in the growing movement to promote children's health by encouraging outdoor play in our public parks. I am thrilled that New York State Parks is joining the effort and we welcome children to our parks not only on May 21st but every day of the year!," said Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky, Chair of the New York State Council of Parks.

Endorsed by the America's State Parks, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National Education Association (NEA), Children's National Medical Center, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, US Army Corps of Engineers, and Children & Nature Network, Kids to Parks Day is an effort to spotlight the importance of outdoor activity in promoting children's health. For more information about the National Park Trust's Kids to Parks Day visit www.buddybison.org/.

The New York State Office of Parks New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456, visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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