Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 11, 2016
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Visit a Virginia State Park on National Kids to Parks Day and the next visit is free
RICHMOND — All 36 Virginia State Parks will feature kid friendly programming in conjunction with National Kids to Parks Day on May 21. Visitors that day also receive a coupon for a free return visit to any Virginia State Park.
Now in its sixth year, National Kids to Parks Day is sponsored by National Parks Trust. Founded over concern that children are not spending enough time in nature, the event encourages families to get outdoors, lead a more active lifestyle, and foster an appreciation for nature and public lands.
“It’s so important that children get outdoors and get active,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “Virginia State Parks offer countless opportunities for young people and families to learn about nature in engaging and safe ways. State park rangers are committed to helping people experience and enjoy nature, and that’s why I encourage all Virginians to join me in a Virginia State Park on May 21.”
A complete list of programs by park can be found here: http://bit.ly/KTP2016. Many programs are great for first-time visitors and offer basic training in popular outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, hiking, astronomy and more.
In conjunction with Kids to Parks Day, each year the National Park Trust sponsors a contest for students to research the outdoor, educational and stewardship opportunities of a park near their school and to plan a visit. Contest winners visit the park in May at no cost. This year the Virginia winners and their sponsoring parks are:
Gate City Middle School - Natural Tunnel State Park
Huddleston Elementary - Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Sugar Grove Elementary - Grayson Highlands State Park
Sugar Grove Elementary - Hungry Mother State Park
Atkins Elementary - Grayson Highlands State Park
Find out more about the nationwide Kids to Parks Day movement at www.kidstoparksday.org.
Visitors may use the free pass any time before Dec. 31.
Kids to Parks Day also starts the Get Outdoors! Challenge. Visitors can log visits to five different Virginia State Parks between May 21 and June 30 and earn a statewide annual pass for free parking. More details on the challenge can be found at http://bit.ly/GetOutdoorsChallenge.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make a reservation for one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Care Center at 800-933-7275 or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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