Parks and Recreation to celebrate Kids to Parks Day May 16 at Metro-Kiwanis Park

Johnson City Parks and Recreation hosted its annual Kids to Parks Day event on Saturday, May 16, drawing families to Metro-Kiwanis Park for a day of outdoor activities and exploration. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., marked the 16th anniversary of the national program, a welcome outing for many from neighboring Jonesborough.

Kids to Parks Day is a nationwide initiative encouraging children and families to engage with local, state, and national parks. The program aims to cultivate future outdoor enthusiasts and park stewards by providing memorable experiences, much like those found exploring the natural beauty near the historic heart of Jonesborough. This year's celebration at Metro-Kiwanis Park featured a variety of stations designed to introduce participants to different recreational activities.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in mountain biking, arts and crafts, kickball, pickleball, and tennis. A passport book was available for children to complete at each station, offering a chance to win prizes. Volunteers from Trek Johnson City assisted with the mountain biking course, while members of the Science Hill Lacrosse team and Johnson City Rugby teams provided introductions to their respective sports.

The event, organized by the National Park Trust, emphasized the importance of parks for children and the reciprocal need for children to support parks. The mission aligns with fostering an appreciation for outdoor recreation, STEM principles, and the history embedded in national treasures, a sentiment that resonates deeply in communities like Washington County.

Metro-Kiwanis Park is located at 817 Guaranda Drive in Johnson City. The event was free and open to all ages. For further information on Kids to Parks Day, Community Engagement Specialist David Compton can be reached at [email protected].