Visit Gaithersburg Parks on May 21 for National Kids to Parks Day

The Mayor and City Council have proclaimed May 21, 2011 as National Kids to Parks Day in the City of Gaithersburg, encouraging children, teens and families to visit parks throughout the community.

 At a ceremony on Monday, May 16, 2011, Mayor Sidney Katz presented a proclamation to Shana Fajardo of the National Park Trust (NPT), a nonprofit organization striving to preserve and protect our nation’s parklands, and to reconnect youth with nature.  During the presentation, the Mayor stated, “Parks serve as a natural catalyst for promoting active lifestyles.  Awareness and appreciation of our parks serves as yet another strategy in a tool kit to reduce childhood obesity and create healthier citizens.”

When you visit a City park on Saturday, May 21, take your camera with you, and then submit photos of your adventures to the NPT for inclusion on their special map that will commemorate the day.  Campaign mascot Buddy Bison has lots of information and resources for you about the importance of parks.  Visit him at www.buddybison.org.  Submit your photos from May 21 to buddy@parktrust.org.

In Gaithersburg you’ll find 522 acres of parkland in 25 separate parks located throughout the City.  A complete list including all of their amenities is available at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

One very special activity is taking place this weekend in and around Griffith Park at City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue.  Join us for the 2nd annual Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  This all-day celebration of books, writers, and literary excellence features  appearances, discussions and book signings by more than 80 national bestselling and award-winning authors as well as local up-and-comers; writing workshops; a Children’s Village; a Coffee House with poets and singers/songwriters; onsite book sales, both new and used; exhibitors and, of course, food, drink, ice cream, and more. Admission, parking, and shuttle bus rides from Lakeforest Mall are free. For more information visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org.