National Park On Day

A joyful family hiking in a beautiful national park, wearing colorful outdoor gear, surrounded by lush trees and chirping birds.. — National park on day illustration

Welcome to the whimsical world of National Park on Day! This delightful holiday celebrates those wonderful parks we visit to reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and chase after squirrels (or is that just me?). Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a relaxed picnic on the grass, National Park on Day is the perfect excuse to explore the great outdoors with loved ones.

When is Park On Day?

It's national park on day on the 3rd September.

The Internet History of National Park on Day

If we had to trace the internet history of National Park on Day, we could imagine a horde of tech-savvy squirrels, equipped with tiny laptops and acorn-shaped flash drives, plotting to create an online holiday that celebrates the beauty of nature. These squirrels, tired of frolicking in the trees and burying nuts, wanted to spread their love for national parks to every corner of the digital world.

Their first order of business was to create a hashtag that would capture the essence of National Park on Day. After much deliberation (and a lot of nut-fueled brainstorming sessions), they settled on #ParksAreAwesome. It quickly gained popularity, with park enthusiasts from around the world posting stunning photos of their favorite parks, sharing tips for the best hiking trails, and even organizing meetups for squirrel spotting (yes, squirrels can be fans too).

How National Park on Day Became an Official Holiday

Once the squirrel-led online movement gained momentum, people started asking, 'Hey, why isn't National Park on Day an official holiday?' And so, the Squirrel Council (a secret society of park-loving squirrels with a passion for bureaucracy) sprang into action.

They drafted a petition, gathered thousands of fuzzy paw prints (which surprisingly didn't smudge), and presented their case to the National Park Authorities. After much debate and a few hoarded acorn bribes, National Park on Day was officially recognized as a holiday! Cue the fireworks and squirrel-sized party hats!

How to Celebrate National Park on Day

Now that we know the internet history and official recognition of National Park on Day, it's time to uncover the best ways to celebrate this remarkable holiday. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Organize a Picnic: Gather your loved ones, pack a basket full of delicious goodies, and head to the nearest national park for a delightful picnic. Don't forget to bring enough nuts for your squirrel friends too!
Go on a Hike: Strap on your hiking boots, grab your walking stick, and embark on an adventure through the scenic trails of a national park. You never know what breathtaking views or woodland creatures you might encounter.
Join a Virtual Park Tour: Can't make it to a national park in person? No worries! Many parks offer virtual tours that allow you to explore their natural wonders from the comfort of your own home. Just be sure to bring your own snacks.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park, was established in 1872? It's home to an incredible array of geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. Just make sure to stand back when it erupts!

History behind the term 'Park On'

1864

The birth of the park movement

In 1864, the world witnessed the birth of the park movement with the establishment of Central Park in New York City. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park was the first public park in the United States and quickly became a model for urban parks around the world. Its creation marked a shift in urban planning, highlighting the importance of green spaces for public enjoyment and recreation.

1872

Yellowstone National Park: The nation's first

In 1872, the United States established Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world. This marked a significant milestone in the park movement, as it showcased the conservation of natural landscapes for public enjoyment. Yellowstone's designation as a national park set a precedent for the creation of protected areas, inspiring other countries to follow suit.

1895

The birth of the term 'park on'

The term 'park on' emerged in 1895 when the New York Herald used it in an article about the growing popularity of Central Park. The phrase was initially coined to encourage people to spend more time in the park, enjoying its natural beauty and recreational facilities. Over time, 'park on' became synonymous with taking pleasure in outdoor spaces and embracing leisure activities.

1902

City Beautiful Movement: Beautifying urban spaces

The 1902 City Beautiful Movement in the United States aimed to transform urban areas into aesthetically pleasing environments. This movement emphasized the establishment of parks and green spaces as essential elements of urban planning. It further popularized the concept of 'parking on,' encouraging city dwellers to take advantage of these recreational areas and improve their quality of life.

1969

Earth Day: Environmental awareness and activism

In 1969, the first Earth Day was celebrated, marking the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day raised awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources and promoting sustainability. This movement further emphasized the significance of parks and green spaces as vital components of a healthy environment and encouraged people to 'park on' by spending time outdoors and appreciating nature.