Bipartisan Group of Senators Announce "Kids to Parks Day" Resolution

Press Release

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, Cory Booker, D-N.J., Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Richard Burr, R-N.C., today announced their bipartisan resolution that encourages children to get outdoors and promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 15, 2021 National Kids to Parks Day.

First celebrated by the National Park Trust in 2011, the eleventh 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.

"At its core, Oregon is a state with a great love and appreciation for enjoying the outdoors and our special places," Wyden said. "And from generation to generation, Oregonians pass on that reverence of our natural resources and a desire to preserve our open spaces. In light of this past year, Kids to Parks Day is even more vital, providing a special occasion to connect our young folks to the richness of the outdoors and enjoy all that Oregon and states across the country have to offer."

"It is important that our younger generations 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 responsibly visit and learn about these national treasures on Kids to Parks Day," said 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."

"Connecting kids to the outdoors inspires them to become future conservationists and, as the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, reinforces the added mental and physical health benefits that an active lifestyle can yield," said Heinrich. "We must devote real resources to expanding opportunities for those in communities who have been historically excluded and ensure we are supporting the next generation of stewards of our air, land, water and wildlife. I encourage New Mexico families to take advantage of Kids to Parks Day and visit our treasured public lands that offer endless opportunities for kids to discover, learn, and play."

"The pandemic has reminded us all that outdoor recreation helps keep us healthy--both physically and mentally," Senator Hirono said. "Kids to Parks Day serves as a great opportunity for keiki and their families to get outside, visit a local park, and develop a lifelong appreciation for Hawaii's public lands."

"In New Jersey, and all across the country, our parks are a national treasure that allow Americans to immerse themselves in our natural environment and the great outdoors," said Senator Booker. "Kids to Parks Day encourages kids and families to enjoy our state and national parks, while helping instill a love and appreciation for the great outdoors among the next generation."

"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."

"After a year of stay at home orders that required kids to skip their normal outdoor activities, Kids to Parks Day is especially important this summer," said Senator Burr. "From the Great Smoky Mountains to Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina is home to many national parks and landscapes. I'm pleased to join my Senate colleagues on this important, bipartisan initiative to encourage kids across the country to enjoy all the iconic treasures North Carolina has to offer."

Last year, Kids to Parks Day was celebrated digitally as a result of the pandemic, bringing a taste of the outdoors to kids and families as they isolated at home to stay safe.

This year's Kids to Parks Day will be celebrated Saturday, May 15, 2021.