National 'Kids to Parks Day' is May 19

CONTACT:
Steve Fehsal
Park Division Manager
(563) 589-4263
sfehsal@cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org/leisureservices

May 10, 2018 -- For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The City of Dubuque has joined the National Park Trust and communities across the country in proclaiming Saturday, May 19, 2018, as the eighth annual national “Kids to Parks Day.”  On Saturday, May 19, all vehicle entrance/admission fees to Eagle Point Park will be waived.

Opportunities to celebrate Kids to Parks Day are numerous in the Dubuque area.  The City of Dubuque offers 50 parks covering 1,209 acres and features trails, tennis, picnicking, fishing, skateboarding, in-line hockey, softball and baseball, playgrounds, disc golf, golf, camping, and much more.  The Dubuque County Conservation Board manages 16 parks, preserves and recreation areas encompassing over 2,293 acres.  The Mines of Spain Recreation Area and E.B. Lyons Interpretive and Nature Center are located on 1,447 acres of wooded and prairie land and are managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“The premise is simple — have adults take a child in their life to a park,” said Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager for the City of Dubuque.  “Hike a trail, play on a playground, have a pickup game of ball, visit a historic site, go canoeing or fishing—do something active outdoors.” 

According to the National Park Trust, “once upon a time, kids ran freely outside, played in creeks, caught bugs and enjoyed nature.  However, today many children are not connected to the outdoors in the same way.”  Attendance at America's parks and forests has declined steadily each year since the late 1980s. Youngsters can, with the help of an adult, visit the National Kids to Parks Day website at www.kidstoparks.org to take a pledge in advance of Kids to Parks Day.  The site also offers additional resources for parents and teachers.

For more information on Dubuque parks, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/parks or call 563-589-4263.

#  #  #