Long Island participates in 'Kids to Park Day' Saturday
Enjoy a day with the family Saturday at one of Long Island's many parks, such as Belmont Lake State Park. Credit: Newsday/ Karen Wiles Stabile
Here's an excuse to take the kids to a park Saturday: It's the fifth annual Kids to Parks Day across the United States. Families are encouraged to visit local, state and national parks. Go to kidstoparks.org to check for a variety of local events going on Saturday and to pledge to take the kids to the park that day.
Everyone who pledges will be entered to win a Nikon Coolpix L830 camera; more than 250,000 people have pledged so far.
Five years ago, NPT [National Park Trust] launched this grassroots movement to encourage families to discover and celebrate our countrys parks and public lands and water. Families, schools, park officials and elected officials have embraced this fun event a national day of outdoor play and it is fast becoming Americas unofficial kickoff to summer, Grace Lee, executive director, National Park Trust, said in a news release. National Park Trust is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and protection of the nations parks and public lands and the engagement of youth with nature
While at a park on Saturday, kids and parents are encouraged to tweet #kidstoparks or send in photos to buddy@buddybison.org. Pictures will be posted and shared online.
Saturday is also the sixth annual Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day, when participants around the world will strive to set a world record for the most life jackets worn, to educate the public about life jackets and safe boating in general. Some local parks are also participating in the life jacket event.
