Take advantage of Visit a Park Day this fall as a way to spark a long-lasting bond between your park and recreation facilities and your community! 

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Young Professional Network, in conjunction with the NRPA, is pleased to announce Visit a Park Day will be Friday, October 5, 2012. The public will be encouraged to set aside unnecessary obligations on October 5 and take time to visit a local, state, regional, or national park and enjoy the many benefits of these locations. 

In past Visit a Park Days, local and state recreation and parks programs, non-profits, and related civic groups have united nationwide to support this initiative. Visit a Park Day has included events such as interpretive walks through nature parks and along public beaches. In addition, some communities unveiled new signage on Visit a Park Day aiming to foster safety in parks and playgrounds. 

The top three reasons for participating in visit a park day are: 

1. Raise interest about the parks available in your community among potential new guests.
2. Promote an under-utilized area or a new program.
3. Create an engaging outdoor experience for the community you serve and live in.   

This picture is from a Visit a Park Day activity last year in the Edmonds area. Three of their area waterfronts held free public beach walks for the community to enjoy.  

The NRPA Young Professionals encourage park and recreation agencies, community leaders, civic groups, schools and other organizations to come together and participate in Visit a Park Day.