National Parks Family Day 2007
“Bringing the national parks to the people!”
Saturday, June 9, 2007
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
at Fresno’s Roeding Park
National Parks Family Day reached new heights in 2007, with two additional participating national park sites, larger crowds and more featured ranger talks than ever before.
Created in 2004, National Parks Family Day exposes local families to the wonders of the National Park System by meeting and taking with National Park Rangers from nearby Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks. Hosted in Roeding Park, families have the opportunity to learn about the unique features of the National Park System without leaving Fresno.
Approximately 3,900 people were in attendance at this year's event, sampling various food vendors, numerous educational and commercial exhibitor booths, a rock-climbing wall, and a daylong schedule of cultural dance and music entertainers.
However, the main focus of the event was on our National Parks. A full spectrum of natural, historical, and cultural National Park Service sites were on display, including:
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Yosemite National Park
- Pinnacles National Monument
- Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
- Rosie the Riveter / World War II Home Front National Historic Park
Park rangers and volunteers provided presentations a variety of topics: from condors and coyotes to climbing safety and historical aspects of our parks. There were hands on activities for all ages, including making s'mores in "solar ovens" and becoming Jr. Rangers! Park Service booths were complete with informational displays and park information. Additionally, NPCA, Yosemite Association and Delaware North Companies, Inc., provided additional park information and interactive activities for visitors to enjoy.
For the first time in Family Day history, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offered a total of 400 free day-passes to National Parks Family Day attendees. This helped to bring the mission of National Parks Family Day to full circle: bringing the parks to the people of Fresno and encouraging them to make the short drive to the national parks that exist virtually in their backyard.
Congressman Jim Costa (CA-D-20) spoke at this year's event, stressing the importance for Fresno's diverse community, particularly its youth, discover the local wonders and recreational opportunities at national parks.
"We need to always understand that our national parks are there for all of us," Costa said.
Costa continued by endorsing the work of the National Parks Conservation Association, both nationally and in the Central Valley. Additionally, Al Galvez, Public Affairs Manager for Pacific Gas and Electric Company and event sponsor, acknowledged the work of NPCA and the significance of events like National Parks Family Day for educating youth about the environment. Fresno City Councilman, Blong Xiong, and representatives of other local elected officials were also present at the event.
Continued support from Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Univision Television and Univision Radio increased outreach efforts to the Latino community and resulted in sponsorship marketing outreach efforts worth over $25,000!
National Parks Family Day is hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association, in partnership with the National Park Service, Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Yosemite Association, and Delaware North Companies, Inc.
The fifth annual Family Day event is tentatively scheduled for June 2008.
