Buckeye Reporter

U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Richard Burr (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced that the Senate passed their bipartisan resolution that encourages children to get outdoors and promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 21, 2022 National Kids to Parks Day.

First celebrated by the National Park Trust, the 12th annual Kids to Parks Day marks the beginning of a summer-long series of events at local, state, and national parks around the country that promote outdoor recreation and active, healthy living.

“It is important for our younger generations to get out and experience the great outdoors, and as a frequent visitor to our national parks myself, I encourage kids from all across in Ohio to visit and learn about these national treasures on Kids to Parks Day,” said Senator Portman. “I am proud to support the Kids to Parks Day Resolution so that more young people and their families may visit our national parks.”

“Enjoying the outdoors and exploring our natural treasures is hardwired into the DNA of Oregon families,” said Senator Wyden. “National Kids to Parks Day honors the benefits to our love of the outdoors, while also teaching future generations the value of preserving our open spaces and natural resources. I’m proud to continue this tradition and connect kids to the richness of the great outdoors.”

“As we celebrate the twelfth annual Kids to Parks Day, I am proud to support this bipartisan resolution that encourages our country’s youth and families to explore the outdoors,” said Senator Booker. “Our nation’s federal, state, and neighborhood parks give children the opportunity to practice healthy living habits, gain an appreciation for nature, and make meaningful connections with their peers. We must continue to protect and expand our children’s access to public open spaces.”

“National Parks offer countless opportunities for children to engage in recreational and educational activities and cultivate a lifelong love of the outdoors,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan resolution would recognize the important role parks like Acadia have in encouraging children to play outside and stay healthy. I encourage every family to take the time to visit and experience all that our National Parks have to offer.”

"As New Mexico confronts a historic wildfire season and our lands and waters across the country face new climate threats, we will need this next generation to step up as stewards of our outdoor places. As a dad and a former outdoor educator, I know that connecting kids to the outdoors can inspire a lifelong connection to conservation, while reaping all of the health benefits that go along with an active lifestyle. A few years back, I was proud to lead the successful effort that provided all American fourth graders and their families with free access to explore the rich natural and cultural history on display in our national parks, forests, and monuments. I hope that this year's Kids to Parks Day offers children and their families across our nation the opportunity to make memories and a chance to see what our public lands offer,” said Senator Heinrich.

“From the Appalachian Trail to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolinians are blessed with unbeatable natural treasures,” said Senator Burr. “Kids to Parks Day encourages children and their families to spend time exploring our beautiful outdoor spaces, instilling a lifelong appreciation for these spectacular landscapes. I am pleased to join my Senate colleagues in this bipartisan initiative to connect kids with the Great Outdoors we all cherish.”

“Parks give kids a place to play and provide important green spaces in our neighborhoods for everyone to use and enjoy,” said Senator Murray. “Kids everywhere should have the opportunity to enjoy these spaces near where they live, so it’s really important to me that we do our part to support their access to outdoor recreation.”

“With summer vacation coming up, it’s the perfect time for keiki in Hawaii and across the country to explore state and national parks, as well as the local parks in their communities,” said Senator Hirono. “Hawaii has over 50 state and national parks to choose from, so there are many opportunities to get outside and be active. I’m pleased to support this bipartisan resolution again that encourages a healthy lifestyle and an appreciation for nature and our environment.”