Wyden, Bipartisan Group of Senators Announce "Kids to Parks Day" Resolution
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Shelly Moore Capito, R-W. Va., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., today announced their bipartisan resolution that encourages children to get outdoors and promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 20, 2023 National Kids to Parks Day.
First celebrated by the National Park Trust, the thirteenth annual Kids to Parks Day marks the beginning of a summer-long series of events at state parks countrywide that promote outdoor recreation and active, healthy living.
“National Kids to Parks Day has become a yearly tradition for Oregon families – encouraging kids to enjoy the outdoors and explore our state’s natural treasures,” Wyden said. “This day connects kids to the richness of the great outdoors while also teaching future generations the importance of preserving our open spaces and natural resources. I’m proud to be part of this tradition and honor the benefits and beauty of the great outdoors.”
“Kids to Parks Day reminds us of all the benefits of children spending time outdoors. The entire state of Mississippi is abounding in wonderful parks and natural spaces for kids to play and learn more about the world around them,” Hyde-Smith said.
“As a kid growing up in Bozeman, some of my favorite memories are from spending time in our national parks,” said Daines. “I am proud to support this bipartisan resolution to encourage kids to get out and explore our cherished national parks so that we can continue to pass down the tradition of enjoying our great outdoors.”
“West Virginia has some of the best parks around,” Capito said. “On the 13th annual National Kids to Parks Day, I hope kids and families celebrate by visiting the natural wonders in our state like the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and other community parks in our state!”
“National Parks offer countless opportunities for children to engage in recreational and educational activities and cultivate a lifelong love of the outdoors,” said Collins. “Our bipartisan resolution would recognize the important role parks like Acadia have in encouraging children to play outside and stay healthy.”
“I’m proud to again support this bipartisan resolution that encourages our country’s youth to explore the outdoors. Our nation’s parks give children and families the opportunity to practice healthy living habits, gain an appreciation for nature, and make meaningful connections with others. We must do everything we can to continue to protect and expand kids’ access to public open spaces,” said Booker.
“Connecting kids to the outdoors can give them a sense of place, a refreshed perspective, and the physical activity they crave. It also can inspire a lifelong a connection to conservation. I’ve seen this as both a dad and an outdoor educator,” said Heinrich. “A few years back, I was proud to lead the successful effort that provided all fourth graders and their families free access to explore our national parks, forests, and monuments. On May 20th, I encourage all New Mexico families to take advantage of the Kids to Parks events taking place across the state.”
“Thirteen years ago, National Park Trust established Kids to Parks Day to get more kids outside exploring our country's parks, public lands, and waters. We applaud our Senate champions that have co-sponsored this resolution to promote this national day of outdoor play so we all can experience the numerous health and wellness benefits of the great outdoors,” said Grace Lee, Executive Director of the National Park Trust.
Kids to Parks Day will be celebrated Saturday, May 20, 2023.
The text of the resolution is here.
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Contact: Luis Soriano (Wyden)
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