Proclamation highlights benefits of outdoor recreation

TOPEKA -- Gov. Mark Parkinson wants Kansans to get out and have some fun. To this end, Parkinson recently proclaimed June “Great Outdoors Month.” His proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Kansas citizens have a proud tradition of both safeguarding the environment and enjoying the outdoors; and

WHEREAS, A clean and sustainable environment contributes to our quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation promotes health, fitness, and environmental awareness; and

WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, It is up to all of us to maintain and enhance our legacy of environmental stewardship and enjoyment of the great outdoors; and

WHEREAS, It is our duty to leave a well-tended legacy to those who will follow us.

“Now, therefore, I, Mark Parkinson, Governor of the State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Great Outdoors Month and June 12, 2010 as Great Outdoors Day in Kansas and urge all citizens to join in this observance by taking the time to enjoy our state’s various state parks and outdoor activities, to share them with family and friends, and to make outdoor activities a regular part of their lives.”

There may not be a better time to be outside, enjoying Kansas state parks. Each state park selects two Free Park Entrance Days and many schedule them in June, but trail rides, kids fishing derbies and fishing tournaments, and music make June special at Kansas state parks. And many parks boast historical or geological attributes that are fascinating anytime.

The popular Country Stampede, featuring three days of live music at Tuttle Creek State Park, is the largest June event and will take place June 24-27. In addition, June 5-6 are Free Fishing Days statewide, and June 5 is National Trails Day. Other events will be featured, depending on the park. Many are educational and all make visiting Kansas state parks more fun. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.

The following is a list of events for June:

• June 4-10 — Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue & Retirement Trail Ride at Perry State Park;
• June 5 —Y Bar H Outpost & Pet Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 5 — National Trails Day and Free Park Entrance Day at Cross Timbers State Park;
• June 5 — National Trails Day at Fall River State Park;
• June 5 — OK Kids Day at Fall River State Park;
• June 6 — kids fishing derby at Lovewell State Park;
• June 12-13 —Free Park Entrance Days at Cedar Bluff State Park;
• June 12-13 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• June 12-13 — Catch For a Cause Fishing Festival at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 12 — kids instructional shooting clinic at Tuttle Creek State Park's Fancy Creek Shooting Range;
• June 12-14 — Hooves of Heaven horseback trail ride at Cedar Bluff State Park;
• June 12 — Poker Run Watercraft Race at Cedar Bluff State Park;
• June 12 –– the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita will host Walk With Wildlife
• June 17-20 — Eastern Kansas Arabian Horse Association trail ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 19 — Kansas Bowfishing Classic tournament at Eisenhower State Park;
• June 19 — Kansas Draft Horse Association horse pull and demonstration at El Dorado State Park;
• June 19 — OK Kids Day at Wilson State Park;
• June 20 — Free Park Entrance Day at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 20 — OK Kids Day at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 24-27 — Country Stampede music festival at Tuttle Creek State Park; and
• June 24-27 — Miami County Cancer Foundation trail ride, dinner, auction and dance at Hillsdale State Park

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks offers 25 state parks, five nature centers, more than 40 state fishing lakes, and 100 wildlife areas for Kansans to enjoy and explore during the Great Outdoors Month. For more information on Kansas Department and Wildlife and Parks, visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

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