Proclaim May 21, 2022 to be Kids to Parks Day
Whereas, May 21, 2022, is the twelfth Kids to Parks Day organized and launched by the National Park Trust held annually on the third Saturday of May; and
Whereas, Kids to Parks Day empowers kids and encourages families to get outdoors and visit local parks, public lands, and waters; and
Whereas, we should encourage children to lead a more active lifestyle to combat issues of childhood obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia; and
Whereas, Kids to Parks Day will broaden children's appreciation for nature and outdoors; and
Whereas, Kids to Parks Day will recognize the importance of recreating responsibly while enjoying the benefits of the outdoors; and
Whereas, in Portland, we are fortunate to have a parks and recreation system that has committed to accessibility by building ADA accessible playgrounds such as Harper's Playground at Arbor Lodge Park, Cully Park, Couch Park, Luuwit View, and Gabriel Park, which formally opened last weekend; and
Whereas, Portland Parks and Recreation has adopted a pay-what-you-can model for programming, enabling kids to access recreation programming at a cost that fits their family’s means; and
Whereas, Portland Parks and Recreation strives to meet communities’ language access needs, such as providing registration materials in 17 languages; and
Whereas, Portland Parks and Recreation will again offer Free Summer Lunch and Play, which provides free, nutritious meals for kids – about 100,000 each summer – along with games, art, and sports activities to support our community and fill the summer meal gap.
Now Therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim May 21, 2022 to be
Kids to Parks Day
in Portland and encourage all residents to recognize, celebrate, and visit Portland’s amazing, accessible parks and recreation system not just on May 21st, but all days.