Hinds Today

The U.S. Senate has approved a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 18, 2024, as National Kids to Parks Day. The bipartisan Kids to Parks Resolution (S.Res.686) was unanimously consented in anticipation of the 14th annual National Kids to Parks Day, which marks the beginning of a summer-long series of events at local, state, and national parks.

The National Park Trust initiated the program in 2011. “There are so many benefits associated with children spending time outdoors,” Hyde-Smith said. “Kids to Parks Day gives us a chance to highlight that fact and to encourage parents, educators, and our youth to get out and enjoy parks and natural spaces."

Wyden added, “At the heart of Oregon are its natural treasures that have long been explored and enjoyed by families in our state. National Kids to Parks Day is an annual tradition for Oregon families, and our bipartisan resolution honors this generational connection of young people enjoying the great outdoors and preserving open spaces.”

The measure was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Angus King (I-Maine).

“Since the National Park Trust established Kids to Parks Day 14 years ago, our goal has been to encourage families nationwide to discover the many benefits of our country’s parks, public lands, and waters,” said Grace Lee, National Park Trust executive director. “We thank our Senate champions who have co-sponsored this resolution for their help in amplifying this important message through this Senate resolution.”