Friday, May 22, 2009

Welcome to Maryland Parks and Park Quest!

Now that summer is almost upon us, it's time to relish in some unhurried, unstructured days enjoying the outdoors in your State Parks. These special places have been preserved for you to enjoy and to create a lifetime of memories, all at an affordable cost or free of charge. Even though we serve over 11 million visitors annually, we know that the majority of you drive past your parks every day and rarely discover their rewards. We don't have a marketing budget to get your attention, so we are interested in other strategies you might suggest to help us spread the word about State Park opportunities and encourage more people like you to try their State Parks. We may be biased, but we think we have the best antidotes for eliminating stress and introducing fun and relaxation into your life!

Did you know that there are 66 Maryland State Parks, within easy driving distance of most communities, that uniquely provide scenic, inspiring and peaceful get-aways? Reserve one of our 131 historic, rustic cabins, a quaint Mill Pond cottage or a campsite situated under towering trees. Take in the fresh air on over 700 miles of land and water trails with the help of expert, waterproof trail guides. Learn new things about nature and Maryland history by signing-up for an interpretive program led by one of our dedicated Park Rangers or knowledgeable park naturalist staff. Volunteer your talents and energy by joining our friendly team of volunteers, who help support our services to park visitors. It's pretty easy to learn more about these many rewarding ways that you can enjoy and support your State Parks this summer by visiting our website at: www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands

Maybe you are looking for new ways to experience your State Parks with children in your family? Consider joining the Maryland Park Service's newest program, called Park Quest. A competition of sorts, the Park Quest program provides the first 300 families that sign-up with free games, like scavenger hunts with a GPS unit or riddles solved from a canoe and flipcams for videotaping your adventures. An end of summer finale of contests and fantastic prizes is scheduled on August 8. Details about this State Park program can be found on our website at www.dnr.state.md.us/parkquest

Perhaps you have other ideas like Park Quest that can encourage Marylanders and visitors to our State to spend valued time in their State Parks? Let us know what you think! What obstacles are holding you back and coming between you and your State Parks? We all know that life is short and our time together is precious and finite. Let's not put off another day or weekend without taking advantage of these treasured resources to reconnect with ourselves, our friends and family and with some of Maryland's most beautiful, natural places.

See you out there!

Nita Settina, Superintendent
Maryland Park Service