DENVER, Colo., June 10, 2009 – Summer is right around the corner. So, now is the time to begin celebrating all that nature has to offer. This Saturday (June 13), the U.S. Forest Service, American Recreation Coalition and more than 100 community partners will host a free and action-packed National Get Outdoors Day celebration at Denver’s City Park. It’s an opportunity for parents to get the kids off the couch, “unplugged” and introduce them to the outdoor adventures and excitement that our state has to offer.
National Get Outdoors Day’s aim is to motivate and help teach kids how to reconnect with nature, instill in them a sense of stewardship for the land and appreciate the importance of preserving it for generations to come. There’s also the added health benefit of exposing kids of all ages to different and unique entertainment opportunities outside their front doors that will directly impact their staying active and physically fit.
Fun & Excitement for All
This fun and multi-faceted event at Denver’s City Park (17th Ave and York) runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features a plethora of outdoor activities to match everyone’s interests:
• Climbing Wall
• Mountain Biking
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Skiing in the Park
• Smokey Bear
• 5 and 10 Kilometer Volksmarch
• President’s Physical Fitness Challenge
• “How-To” Camping Demonstration
• Junior Ranger Camp
• Fishing
• Obstacle Courses
• Tips for outdoor cooking
• Geocaching
• Wildlife Tracking
A National Kickoff Event
At 12 noon during Saturday’s event, U.S. Forest Chief Gail Kimbell will unveil a new national campaign developed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council designed to encourage children and their parents to re-connect with nature by spending time outdoors. The campaign directs families to visit a wonderful new website, www.DiscoverTheForest.org, where they can find ideas for outdoor activities, as well as educational and conservation information. You can also access an interactive tool where you can search for nearby parks and forests.
For more information on the Denver City Park event, please visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/go-day or for more information on National Get Outdoors Day go to www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org
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