The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Young Professional Network is pleased to announce that Visit a Park Day will be Friday, October 6, 2017. The public is encouraged on October 6 to take time to visit a local, state, regional or national park to take a walk, go for a run, have a picnic, watch wildlife, read a book, or take part in a great program.
Parks have many benefits to people and the communities they are meant to serve. The mission of Visit a Park Day is to foster future enjoyment, visitation and advocacy towards our park systems.
Nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population live in urban areas and struggle with economics, declining health, higher crime and more youth at risk. Parks, green space and recreational opportunities have proven to be important in the solutions of these issues. Visit a Park Day continues to focus on these benefits and bringing public attention to parks and developing a healthier and active lifestyle. Parks and Recreation impacts communities through conservation, health and wellness, and social equity by preserving natural resources, connecting people to nature, improving overall health and wellness, and ensuring universal access to public parks and recreation programs.
Get involved! With the mission of Visit a Park Day being to foster future enjoyment, visitation and advocacy towards our park systems, Visit a Park Day presents a unique opportunity for agencies to share these benefits within their own communities. It’s your turn to get your agency involved by registering online and participating on October 6, 2017.
To help celebrate the big day, agencies have hosted numerous programs like a park grand opening, outdoor fitness challenge, or simply an interpretive walk through a park. The main goal is to keep the communication and appreciation for public parks flowing and generating support and excitement for the wonderful things happening in all the communities throughout the U.S.
For additional ideas, logos, templates and social media banners, or for any further questions, feel free to email Brian Bevacqua. A slideshow of Visit a Park Day photos from across the country will be available after the event. Make sure to submit your community’s photos!
After you’ve registered, be sure to make your Visit a Park Day event a Park Champion event by inviting your members of Congress! Access the Park Champion Advocacy Toolkit, which includes everything you need to invite your member of Congress to your Visit a Park Day event.
Brian Bevacqua, CPRP, AFO is Recreation Manager for the Quechee Club in Bristol, New Hampshire and also member of NRPA’s Young Professional Network.