Kids in Parks

The Foundation's Kids in Parks program is preparing to expand its network of family friendly outdoor adventures, called TRACK Trails, in South Carolina. Through a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation to support the goals of Diabetes Free SC (DFSC), Kids in Parks will establish three TRACK Trails in each of the state’s 46 counties over the next four years for a total of 138 new locations.

Our Kids in Parks program is celebrating a major milestone just in time for Take a Child Outside Week, September 24-30. The national program just surpassed one million adventures completed by children on its TRACK Trails found in parks across the country, demonstrating its success in inspiring kids to experience the outdoors.

We are so thrilled to announce that the Foundation’s CEO, Dr. Carolyn Ward, was recently honored with the William C. Everhart Award by the Clemson University Institute for Parks in recognition of sustained achievements that provide creative insights and that foster an appreciation of our natural and cultural heritage.

Bolstering rare plant populations. Archiving and sharing photographs of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s past. Revealing obscured views at overlooks. Repairs to a historic mill. We are asking donors to support these projects and additional initiatives that will enhance the scenic route and share its stories with millions of visitors. Each year, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation works with the National Park Service to select projects that will connect visitors with the park’s natural wonders and history and sustain the park for generations to come.

Kids in Parks had a great 2016, because so many kids ventured out on TRACK Trails for adventures, setting a new record of 2,800 hikes! That equals roughly 230 adventures per month, or more than seven registrations per day!

Giving is a great feeling, and when that gift helps protect the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's even better. As the holidays approach, we've got a giving list that will make an impression and an impact.