National Parks Week comes to New York City September 19-27, 2009 and residents and visitors couldn’t be more excited. A full week of informative, fun-filled events for the whole family is sure to be the talk of the town. Yet, in today’s fast-paced world it can be difficult to find time to have a little fun. But have no fear. If you can only spare one day, here are the events you can’t miss!
One day? Make it Wednesday, September 23, 2009
This date is a cant miss when it comes to National Parks Week. Why? It happens to hold the signature event of the entire week! Be sure to be at the East Meadow of Central Park by 7:00 pm for Feel Free: A National Parks Celebration. The free event will showcase clips from The The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, a fascinating documentary by Ken Burns, an Academy Award-nominated director.
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea was filmed over more than six years at some of the country’s most spectacular parks, including Acadia, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Everglades, and the Gates of the Arctic. The focus of the film, however, is not just on the beauty of the lands, but on the people who have dedicated themselves to saving portions of the land we love.
The evening will also include musical performances from Eric Benet, Gavin DeGraw, Jose Feliciano, Carole King, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas and Peter Yarrow. The live show from Central Park will also be shared via satellite to PBS affiliates and other partners around the country.
Family-friendly
If you have kids, be sure to check out The Children’s Museum of the Arts. From 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm the museum will hold park-themed workshops for all ages. With the help of guides, children will be encouraged to make park art. Admission is $10 per person and the museum is located on Lafayette Street. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
Another Option
If you can’t make it to Central Park in the evening, check out the Lantern Tour of Fort Wadsworth. Beginning at 6:30 pm, park rangers will lead visitors on a guided tour of Fort Wadsworth. The fort, located on Staten Island, was used during the American Revolution and was the longest continually-manned military installation in the United States until it closed in 1994.
Be sure to bring a flashlight to Gateway National Recreation Area/ Staten Island Unit/ Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center for the tour. Reservations are required and can be made either by calling 718-354-4500 or visiting the National Park Service website.
Keep in mind there’s a whole week of events happening, so check out the full National Parks Week NYC schedule and pick the day that’s right for you!
