Sandy Springs Kids, Families Can Take Back Parks Through Play

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Children and their families in Sandy Springs can take part in a national grassroots movement to reclaim America’s parks through play during the fifth annual National Kids To Parks Day.

Set for Saturday, May 16, the initiative is organized by the National Park Trust. The city of Sandy Springs will host a plethora of activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hammond Park.

Sandy Springs and other cities across the nation are committing to a simple motto: “active kids are healthy kids,” and National Kids to Parks Day encourages residents to use local parks and recreation sites to develop more active, healthy lifestyles.

“Sandy Springs is home to wonderful parks, like Hammond Park, which is a perfect venue for families to get outdoors together,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul. “We hope that Kids to Park Day serves as a starting point to encourage more healthy outdoor activity.”

The free event will feature games, an obstacle course challenge, water slide, inflatables, face painting, balloon artist, DJ and music, raffles and prizes, rhythmic gymnastics demonstrations, Sandy Springs Police Community Affairs and police K-9 Seven, Sandy Springs Fire Rescue & Fire Safety House and more.

The goal of the National Park Trust is to combat both low park attendance and increasing obesity in children as well as adults. The organization encourages children to venture outside and explore their local parks, while discovering nature and history to energize their next adventure.

National Kids to Park Day is held each year on the third Saturday in May and brings in more than 100,000 families and kids to local parks across the country.

Hammond Park is at 705 Hammond Drive.

Image via Shutterstock