The Kenmore City Council officially proclaimed May 19 as National Kids to Parks Day. Citizens are encouraged to take the children in their lives to a neighborhood, state or national park as part of National Park Trust’s second annual National Kids to Park Day.

“The city of Kenmore encourages the community to get outside and play as part of National Kids to Parks Day,” said Kenmore Mayor David Baker. “Kenmore features spectacular local parks, the Burke-Gilman Regional Trail, and Saint Edward State Park.” For a list of parks in Kenmore, visit www.kenmorewa.gov/parks.

The Friends of Saint Edward State Park, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging the wise use and public enjoyment of the Saint Edward State Park, will also support the event. A state-park naturalist will be on hand with exhibits of wildlife and other information about the environment suitable for children.

“National Kids to Parks Day encourages children across America to get out and play. This simple idea of playing in a park can potentially give millions of kids the reason to get active and get outside just as families prepare for summer,” said Grace Lee, executive director of National Park Trust. “In one year, participation has tripled with children, families, educators and politicians jumping in to support parks and come together in joyful and active outdoor fun. We hope that by playing in parks the next generation will be empowered to protect and preserve our parks.”

In May 2012, Kenmore was one of only 213 communities across the U.S. to receive recognition from national nonprofit KaBOOM! as a 2012 Playful City USA community for its efforts to increase play opportunities for children.