State Parks Essay -- Personal Experience, Outdoor Leisure, Recreation

Growing up in a county with two state parks ten miles either way from me, a lot of my summer holidays and family events were held there. I always found that environment to be very enjoyable. State parks are a great resource for outdoor leisure and recreation, have a good economic impact and benefit communities in numerous ways. The parks are filled with numerous activities and educational experiences, all of which can be enjoyed in the presence of nature. Most state parks offer their visitors the opportunity to learn. State park environmental educators, also known as naturalists, help visitors understand and appreciate that area they are in. They also work with teachers and students to help stress the importance of awareness on environmental issues, education and prevention. Although different parks vary between seasons and types of programs provided, they can accommodate all age groups and types of people. For example, activities and accessibility are provided for visitors with disabilities. Pennsylvania state parks even offer programs and activities for educators. The variety of workshops can provide educators with resources or materials to use in their classrooms and even fulfill Act 48 credits or hours. Classroom visits to educate on environmental sciences and resources can also be arranged; most being hands on, outdoor educating. A lot of Pennsylvania state parks offer organizations and different kinds of groups for schoo ls. These are offered for all ages, kindergarten through senior year, and work with the students according to grade level. Award winning programs such as the Watershed Education program, are offered across the state of Pennsylvania for grades six through twelve. These programs have to goal to... ...showed local gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and bars all making big money due to these nearby parks. The results also showed an increase of over two-hundred fifty million dollars from total sales and about five-hundred new jobs were created from the last economic impact study.(dcnr economic report) State parks clearly have are impacting the economy in a good sense. State parks are very important places. The public’s use of these places is important in societal activity in the United States with economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts.(sr4) It would be a shame to lose any of these parks. Not only do they provide recreation, but they protect and preserve what is left of America’s natural resources and beauty. State parks are one of the best kept secrets of vacation and recreation spots because of all they have to offer.