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"We need to teach kids and families about conservation and develop stewardship, so the next generation isn't just experiencing nature through Wikipedia, but is outside feeling the air and seeing the trees. "You'd expect to hear that from a National Park Service staffer--but the Director of Development for the YMCA, Kurt Gelhausen? He adds, "People hear about the Y's new partnership with the National Park Service and think--is this about swimming? Is this about basketball? But it's much larger than that."


As the National Park Service approaches its Centennial, it's more critical than ever to build partnerships to introduce a new generation of Americans to our natural resources. As NPS staffer Steve Golden puts it, "The YMCA and the National Park Service share a recognition that to be successful, we have to get outside the boundaries of our facilities." That means the YMCA--which serves over 30 million people each year--encouraging people to embrace healthy choices by visiting National Park Service facilities and local trails and parks, and the NPS working with the Y to welcome new audiences.




attleboro celebration

This groundbreaking national partnership started small.
The
Attleboro, Massachusetts YMCA applied for technical help from the NPS' Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance program, leading to the development of a Ten Mile River Greenway plan, and the opening of the first half-mile portion. "The process has led to more people getting engaged, and the hidden trail treasures we already have in Attleboro are now exposed," says Attleboro Y Executive Director Duane German. "The National Park Service has expertise in land use planning and trails and rivers, and we are the experts in healthy living. Together, we can reach a population that wouldn't necessarily engage in activities like walking, biking, and paddling. Now there's a new sense of enthusiasm with people in the community getting out and moving--that's the real benefit."


Mayor Walk AttleboroThe resounding success of the pilot NPS/YMCA collaboration in Attleboro--as well as Pittsburgh and Chester County, Pennsylvania--prompted leaders of both groups to look at larger opportunities to work together. Currently, projects are under development in nearly a dozen cities across the U.S., and next spring, the YMCA--thanks to a National Park Service Centennial related grant--will distribute literature promoting national parks and trails, and develop fun programming for after-school programs focused on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. The Y will also include a search engine on their website directing people to the nearest NPS facility. The goal, says Audrey Tayse Haynes, YMCA Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Policy, is to "encourage visitors, volunteers, and physical activity."
 
The long-term vision, says Steve Golden, is even bolder: tapping the YMCA to engage urban youth in nature and the National Park System. This win-win broadens the NPS' future base of visitors and employees, and helps the YMCA support youth and keep families healthy. Adds Gelhausen, "Conservatively, this collaboration will impact tens of thousands of kids over next few years. Together, we can help foster a connection to nature in urban areas, where there is the greatest opportunity and the greatest need."



Click here to learn more about the partnership process. Or check out techniques the Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance program employs in communities like Attleboro, including visioning and setting priorities.


Could your project benefit from 1-2 years' staff time from a National Park Service specialist? If you're working on restoring a river, building a community trail, or making an urban park flourish, we'd love to talk with you about ways we could work together. Please call or email your regional representative today. The next program application deadline is August 1, 2009.


Challenge Cost Share Program | Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers  Federal Lands to Parks | Hydropower Relicensing Program | National Trails System   Urban Park and Recreation Recovery | Land and Water Conservation Fund Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program

The Update informs Department of the Interior staff, organizational partners, and friends about the program successes and activities of the National Park Service Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs. For more details, please contact the staff person involved with each project.

This e-newsletter may be copied or redirected. Our staff would be pleased to assist your editor in adapting each story for your publication; for more information, please call (202) 354-6918 or e-mail [email protected].
Images courtesy National Park Service.