A resolution designating May 17, 2025, as "Kids to Parks Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 235
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-19: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2966; text: CR S2974)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-02T20:34:11Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 235) aims to designate May 17, 2025, as "Kids to Parks Day." It promotes outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and family activities in parks to encourage healthier lifestyles among young people and families across the United States.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: Officially recognizes May 17, 2025, as "Kids to Parks Day," marking the 15th annual celebration of this event.
- Goals and Rationale (outlined in the "Whereas" clauses):
- Promote healthy outdoor activities and responsible care for the environment.
- Empower youth and encourage families to visit national, state, and local parks and public lands.
- Highlight the availability of free or accessible natural resources in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
- Stress the benefits of active lifestyles for all ages and the value of family time in parks for fun and relaxation.
- Emphasize outcomes like building appreciation for nature, supporting safe play in neighborhood parks, and strengthening community bonds through self-reliance.
- Senate Actions (in the "Resolved" clause):
- Designates the day.
- Acknowledges the role of outdoor recreation and preserving open spaces in supporting youth health and education.
- Urges Americans to observe the day with safe family visits to parks.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic gesture without legal enforcement or new regulatory requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness and participation in outdoor activities, potentially leading to more family visits to parks and improved physical and mental health for children and families. It could foster greater appreciation for local natural resources without any direct costs.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal impact; agencies like the National Park Service might see voluntary increased visitation but no new mandates or funding. It supports broader goals of public land management without altering operations.
- On International Relations: No impact, as the resolution is focused entirely on domestic recreation and community activities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Young People: Primary beneficiaries, encouraged to engage in outdoor play and education.
- Communities: Rural, suburban, and urban residents who can access local parks; promotes community strengthening.
- Parks and Public Lands Managers: Entities like national and state parks, which may experience heightened public interest and use.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Senators Wyden, Hyde-Smith, King, Heinrich, Daines, and Wicker, reflecting cross-party support for youth and environmental initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or House concurrence. It cannot be challenged in court due to its symbolic nature.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy preferences and encourage public behavior, without infringing on individual rights or federal powers.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on non-controversial issues like child health and environmental awareness. It could serve as a platform for future advocacy on public lands preservation but carries no binding political obligations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-19: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2966; text: CR S2974)
- 2025-05-19: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-19: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating May 17, 2025, as Kids to Parks Day. — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (2 pages)