National Park Week April 16-24 2011

Date: April 11, 2011

National Park Week Celebrates Healthy Parks, Healthy People

The growing connection between public lands and public health is the focus of National Park Week, April 16-24. "National parks have always been great places to go on vacation, have fun, and learn something, but for millions of Americans national parks are also a daily part of a healthy lifestyle," National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said. "If you've never thought of your national parks that way, we'd like to invite you to come out to see how parks can help you meet your fitness goals. Getting outside and moving is the first step."

During National Park Week, Fort Union National Monument, which is a short drive from Las Vegas, will offer free admission. "This is a great opportunity to visit a National Park in our backyard to explore the vast cultural resources of the fort while promoting personal physical fitness" said Superintendent Marie Sauter.

Fort Union (1851-1891) was the largest frontier military post and supply center of the southwest. The National Park Service preserves and tells the story of Fort Union and the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Union National Monument is located near Watrous, exit 366 off I-25, 8 miles on NM-161. For further information contact the park at [phone].