The Great Park Pursuit is back!
It's a chance for your family to drop the Blackberry, remote control and log off the computer and reconnect with nature. For the 5th year, hundreds of Connecticut families will take part in the free event.
According to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the No Child Left Inside initiative provides the necessary opportunity for children to unplug from technology and unearth the vast opportunities that Connecticut's State Parks and Forests have to offer.
This year, the outdoor adventure begins at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. It starts on Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Great Park Pursuit runs for seven weeks, from May 8 to June 19 at a different state park or forest each week.
Amey Marrella, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, says "the response to the Great Park Pursuit has been overwhelming. All Connecticut families are invited to join in and participate even if they have never played before."
This year's theme is "Connecticut State Parks: Where Books Come Alive." Each week staff will be working to bring seven children’s books to life at the selected park locations. The featured children’s book for the kickoff event is “Hello, Ocean” by Pam Munoz Ryan which explores the ocean environment through the sense of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.
Deputy Commissioner for the DEP, Susan Frechette, adds "our state parks and forests have so much to offer in these rough economic times. The Great Park Pursuit is a perfect way for families to experience these amazing resources at no charge."
