Delaware State Parks launches 'Great Parks Pursuit'

Delaware State Parks launched the “Great Parks Pursuit”  May 15. The program is similar to a scavenger hunt and is designed to get children and their families outdoors, enjoying healthy activities in Delaware State Parks. Participants complete activities to be eligible for prizes. There are 35 activities available across the state park system.

The activities include walking a portion of the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail in New Castle County or the Junction & Breakwater Trail in Sussex County, playing disc golf at various parks, fishing, participating in a nature program, camping in one of the state park campgrounds, boating, rock climbing and much more. The activities completed by a family are recorded on the Great Parks Pursuit game card. The more activities completed, the better the prize.

The prize levels are as follows:  Gold: 21-30 activities completed: Family will receive a 2012 Delaware State Parks Annual Pass. If 31 or more activities are completed, the family will receive an additional off-season rental at any Delaware State Park picnic pavilion (some restrictions apply).  Silver: 13-20 activities completed: Family will receive a special Delaware State Parks Gift Pack. Bronze: 5-12 activities completed: Family will receive two free admissions to the Killen's Pond Water Park.

All game cards must be completed and postmarked by Sept. 30. Some of the activities may require a fee, and some may be limited by season. Information and game sheets are available at www.destateparks.com/parks-pursuit, or by calling 302-739-9249. To ensure availability of activities, individuals should contact the specific park prior to their visit.

Nemours Health and Prevention Services provided technical support and funding for the “Great Parks Pursuit” as part of its goal to encourage healthy lifestyles for children and families and to make Delaware’s kids the healthiest in the nation. Delaware State Parks and Nemours have also partnered to offer other programs such as the Delaware State Parks Trail Challenge and Healthy Kids Day at Trap Pond State Park, where more than 1,000 school-aged children learned about healthy outdoor activities.