DENVER – Come join Colorado State Parks at National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 11, at City Park in Denver to design your very own state park with your favorite activities and facilities, meet Talon – the state parks’ tall and feathered boating safety mascot – and enjoy other fun activities.

The annual National Get Outdoors Day event is free and was created by Get Outdoors Colorado, a coalition that includes Colorado State Parks and has the goal of connecting kids and families of all backgrounds and abilities to nature, encouraging healthy, active lifestyles. President Obama proclaimed June 2011 “Great Outdoors Month” as did Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper as part of the national effort to encourage Americans to get outside.

At the Colorado State Parks booth, youngsters can also touch the hides from elk, deer and other wildlife, crawl around in a tent, learn about nature and how to have fun outdoors.

“The National Get Outdoors Day in Denver is one of the many ways that Colorado State Parks introduces adults and kids to the fun outside activities available at the 42 state parks,” said Gary Thorson, Colorado State Parks’ Assistant Director. “The event is also a great way to get ideas for summer and weekend outdoor recreation adventures.”

Colorado State Parks’ staff and volunteers enjoy spending the day with kids and their parents, newcomers to Colorado and adults looking for places to get outdoors and to try new recreational activities.

At the state parks throughout Colorado, visitors fly kites, fish and kayak, bicycle and hike, geo-cache using GPS technology, picnic and boat, learn about nature, and explore many more outdoor activities.

“The Colorado State Parks have become a major part of our visitors’ healthy, outdoor lifestyle,” said Thorson. “The year-round activities at the parks create family traditions in the outdoors and provide beautiful settings in nature that renew the spirit.”

To obtain more information about all the programs at the 2011 National Get Outdoors Day, please visit the event website: www.getoutdoorscolorado.org

Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.

Contact:

Clare Sinacori, (303) 866-3203 ext. 4320, clare.sinacori@state.co.us

Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203 ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us