News Release 12-055
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director
Media contact:
Sandy Mealing, (360) 902-8559 Sandy.Mealing@parks.wa.gov
Hilary Schult, (360) 902-8604 Hilary.Schult@parks.wa.gov
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
June is Washington State Great Outdoors Month
OLYMPIA –
May 30, 2012 –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to enjoy Washington’s diverse recreational opportunities at state parks across the state in June during Great Outdoors Month.
To promote the appreciation of Washington’s great outdoors and urge Washingtonians to help maintain the legacy of environmental stewardship, Gov. Christine Gregoire has proclaimed the month of June as Great Outdoors Month. During the month, many state parks across Washington are offering events to celebrate outdoor enjoyment.
“Outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise, appreciate nature and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. “State parks are premier destinations to discover the natural and recreational places of Washington. Great Outdoors Month encourages citizens of all ages and lifestyles to celebrate these opportunities at state parks and make active outdoor activities a part of daily life.”
Visitors are invited to enjoy the following state parks events:
• June 5: Discover Outer Space at Goldendale Observatory State Park in Goldendale
• June 8 to 10: Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival and Dutch Oven Rendezvous at Sacajawea State Park in Pasco
• June 9: Salish Sea Native American Culture Day at Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island
• June 16: CamOcean World Oceans Day Festival at Cama Beach State Park on Camano Island
• June 16: Dirty Dash mud run at Riverside State Park near Spokane
• June 23: Folk and bluegrass concert by Dana and Susan Robinson as part of the Waikiki Beach concert series at Cape Disappointment State Park near Ilwaco
• June 24: Skandia Midsommarfest at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore
• June 30: Blues concert by the Julie Duke Band as part of the Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series at Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island
• June 30: 5k Foam Fest foam and mud run at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah
For a full list of events at Washington state parks during Great Outdoors Month, visit www.parks.wa.gov/events.
June 9 is also a State Parks’ free day in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. A Discover Pass is not required to visit Washington state parks on free days, however, a Discover Pass is still required when visiting lands managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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