Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 02, 2013
Contact:
Virginia State Parks to Host National Kids to Parks Day Events May 18
Virginia State Parks will offer special programs and activities Saturday May 18 as part of the National Park Trust's third annual National Kids to Parks Day. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of children will take part in the movement to discover America's parks through play.
"At a time when an obesity epidemic touches nearly one in three children, it is essential that we get kids out of the house and engaged in outdoor recreational activities," said Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton. "Virginia State Parks are the perfect destination for outdoor fun for the whole family, and we have embraced this national event since its inception."
Kids to Parks Day events in all 35 Virginia State Parks will feature instructional and nature-themed programs, including ranger-led and self-guided outdoor programs. For a complete list of scheduled activities by park, visit http://bit.ly/KTP2013.
The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
National Kids to Parks Day has been endorsed by the U.S. Department of Interior's Youth in the Great Outdoors, America's State Parks, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Education Association, Children's National Medical Center, Boy Scouts of America, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Children and Nature Networkand National Environmental Education Foundation. It is also officially in support of the First Lady's Let Move Outside! initiative to get more youth and families to be active and live healthier. Visit www.kidstoparks.org to find out more.
For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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