Missourians encouraged to visit a park and participate in the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Jay Nixon proclaimed May 17 as National Kids to Parks Day in the state and encouraged Missourians of all ages to get outside, enjoy state and local parks and participate in the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. This national event is sponsored by the National Park Trust and endorsed by Missouri State Parks.
In March, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon launched the second year of the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. The challenge encourages Missourians to complete “100 Missouri Miles” of physical activity by walking, running, biking, rolling, paddling or hiking throughout Missouri, including Missouri’s state parks.
“This year, we’re again inviting Missourians to get out and get active with their families and friends to make the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge part of a healthy, active lifestyle in 2014,” said Gov. Nixon. “National Kids to Parks Day is a great opportunity to explore our award-winning trails and enjoy all the outdoor opportunities the Show-Me State has to offer.”
In 2013, Missourians taking the Governor’s 100 Missouri Mile Challenge walked, hiked, rode and rolled more than 1,162,000 miles, enough miles to circle the Earth 46 times. To sign up for the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge and begin logging miles, or to continue an existing account, please visit 100MissouriMiles.com.
Missouri is home to award-winning state and local parks that provide an opportunity for children to engage in active lifestyles, while experiencing all that nature has to offer. Events at state parks throughout the state are sponsored by Missouri State Parks on May 17 to encourage families to take an outdoor adventure at a state park or historic site.
“With nearly 1,000 miles of trails and some of the state’s most outstanding natural and cultural resources, Missouri State Parks presents a variety of options for families to explore nature and discover the past,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Kids to Parks Day is one way we work to connect children to nature and create a life-long appreciation for the outdoors.”
For more information on the National Kids to Parks Day, visit kidstoparks.org. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites or to find events planned on May 17, go to mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
