Explore and play: Info for Kids to Parks Day

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·3 min read

May 16—Richmond's 2024 Kids to Parks Day celebration will be on May 18th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Reba Park at Paradise Cove.

Organized by the National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help develop the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences.

The National Park Trust website says, "Kids to Parks Day encourages kids and families to get outside and create their own adventure at thousands of local park events and programs. National Park Trust works with cities and towns, teachers, families, park and public lands officials, and numerous sponsors and partners to make these events possible. Together we can protect and preserve our nation's parks and public lands..."

The organization says that the experience empowers kids to learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and history "because kids need parks and parks need kids."

The sentiment is shared by the local Parks and Recreation Department, which clarified that this event started out as Kite Fest in 2020.

Future plans led to that event combining with Kids to Parks Day to expand the event and offer a variety of activities.

Assistant Program Coordinator Lauren Kilburn said, "There is such a huge benefit for kids visiting parks and just getting outdoors. Aside from the physical benefits, they are able to work on their cognitive and emotional development, build relationships with other children to really fine-tune their social skills, and allow for creativity. Children learn through play, being outdoors enables them to enjoy the natural environment and learn to seek out exercise fresh air, and activity."

According to Lauren Kilburn, Richmond Parks and Recreation will be partnering with the following organizations:

Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife will provide fishing casting practice

Madison County Public Library will facilitate storytelling

Better with Books will host book Giveaways and bring bubbles

Lighthouse Church will run basketball drills

Sola Church will facilitate 4-square games

EKU Division of Natural Areas will bring creepy crawly reptiles and amphibians, nature art, and animal tracking and environmental education games

Get Outside KY will provide free kayaking from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Reba

After completing the different stations, participants will get a free shaved ice from Kona Ice

Kilburn said that other activities will include, chalk art, kites, music, free mini-golf & softball batting cages.

Here is a list of local parks and amenities that kids can take advantage of every day:

Irvine-McDowell Park (345 Lancaster Ave) — Playground, Softball fields, 2 shelters & Irvinton House Museum

Million Park (240 Stratford Drive or Langford Court) — 2 Playgrounds, Dog Park, Youth Soccer Fields, Walking Path & 2 Shelters

Dillingham Park (136 Pine Street) — Playground, Shelter, Basketball Courts

Betty Miller Park/ Richmond Teen Center (325 North Estill Avenue) — Indoor Rental Space & Basketball Goals

Millstone Park (214 East Main Street) — Pocket Park with Historic Millstones

Camp Catalpa Park (2200 Catalpa Loop Rd) — Playground, Walking Trail, 18-hole Disc Golf Course, Access to Lake Reba & 2 Shelters

Lake Reba Park (299 Lake Reba Drive) — Accessible Playground, Walking Trial, Access to Lake, Baseball Fields, Softball Fields, Football Fields, Soccer Fields, Adventure Falls Miniature Golf Course & Batting Cages Complex, Paradise Cove Aquatic Center, Horseshoe Pits, Multiple Shelters, Gibson Bay Golf Course & Driving Range, Accessible Kayak Launch, Kayak Rentals from Get Outside KY & soon to be pickleball courts.

Armory Park (321 North 2nd Street) — Basketball Court, Skate Park & Playground.