Shenandoah National Park dedicates TRACK Trails Activity Trail

To encourage children and their families to get outdoors, Shenandoah National Park has partnered with the Kids in Parks program to establish the Limberlost Trail as a TRACK Trails location.

Supported with a grant from theShenandoah National Park Trust, the park’s activity trail includes a new introductory exhibit and activity guide. The public is invited to attend an opening ceremony on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. The trail dedication will take place at the Limberlost Trail parking area at milepost 43 and will be followed by family-friendly, ranger-led hike at 10:00 a.m.

Jim Northup, Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park said, “With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah offers outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. As a partially accessible trail, Limberlost is a great place for visitors to both experience the park and participate in the TRACK Trails program. Children who complete the new ‘Senses and Sensitivity’ activity guide can also use it in support of their Shenandoah Junior Ranger Program requirements. It’s a great way to have fun outside and learn at the same time.”

According to Kids in Parks Director Jason Urroz, “Research shows that people have become increasingly disengaged from nature, spending less time in our parks and outdoor places, while spending more time “plugged-in” to electronic media. On average kids spend 7.65 hours per day “plugged-in” and only an average of 7 minutes per day in unstructured outdoor play. The Kids in Parks program grew out of a vision to address these trends by getting kids “unplugged” and physically active in parks for their health and the health of our parks.” Kids in Parks is an expanding network of family-friendly outdoor adventures called TRACK Trails. Each TRACK Trail features self-guided brochures and signs that turn your visit into a fun and exciting outdoors experience. For more information on Kids in Parks visit http://www.kidsinparks.com .

Visitors are reminded that there is a $15-per-car entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park which is good for seven days. For more information about these events and other park programs, visit the Shenandoah National Park website athttp://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit.