June 2, 2008

SAVANNAH, Ga. –Today at Skidaway Island State Park Governor Sonny Perdue announced the launch of Get Outdoors Georgia, an initiative of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that encourages Georgians to get outdoors, get fit and enjoy their state parks.

“I want to encourage all Georgians, especially those with children, to take some time to visit one of our state parks,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Our state parks are great places to see some of Georgia’s most beautiful sites while spending quality time with your family and getting some good, healthy exercise.”

Based on findings from a five-year Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), this initiative targets the development of family-oriented, nature-based, healthy outdoor recreational and environmental education programs throughout the state.

The campaign launch, developed by the Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division (PRHSD) of DNR includes the following: a Free Day in the Parks on June 14 sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company; the introduction of a Library Loan ParkPass Program to make admission to state parks and historic sites accessible through local public libraries; special recreational activities and events at state park and historic site locations throughout the state; a proclamation signed by Governor Sonny Perdue to declare June as Georgia Great Outdoors Month in recognition of this initiative and as part of a National Great Outdoors Month celebration; and the introduction of the Get Outdoors Georgia Gopher .

“Through this effort, families and individuals will discover the great treasures that are so close to home and quite often, right in their own backyard,” said Becky Kelly, director of PRHSD. “The month of June is designated as National Great Outdoors Month so the timing is perfect to launch this program and integrate our ‘Get Outdoors Georgia’ campaign into the national initiative and Georgia Great Outdoors Month.”

PRHSD manages 63 properties that preserve the state's diverse environment and history. Included are 45 state parks, three state historic parks and 15 historic sites, stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast. Together, the sites offer an exceptional variety of resources, including mountains, canyons, forests, fields, marshes, waterfalls, lakes, swamps, rivers, battlefields, historic homes and Native American artifacts.

For more information, please visit http://www.gastateparks.org/ or http://www.getoutdoorsgeorgia.org/.