Learn about current park closures.
The Experience the Outdoors
program is designed to improve awareness of, and to boost equity,
inclusivity and accessibility in, park programs.
Built by the County of San
Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, it takes a look at an
already robust calendar of existing events, and adds additional
activities to appeal to individuals and groups that have not
historically been well represented in park programming.
Existing activities include
ranger-led hikes, interpretive programs, nature crafts, wilderness
workshops, animal education and volunteer programs. They expose
people to the beauty and benefits of nature while providing
opportunities to socialize, exercise, learn something new, and
build confidence in the outdoors.
Through the Experience the Outdoors program, there are now a greater number of programs that involve introductory-level instruction, in more urban locations, and with promotions in multiple languages with translation services options. More expensive sports like mountain biking, kayaking and camping have waived fees and free equipment, removing financial barriers to participation.
The first year of the
campaign drew an attendance off over 14,000 people and showed a 12
percent increase in regional park visitation. Every year, the
program will be updated – continuing the most successful
activities and introducing new ones to further expand a more
diverse audience.
Parks are for everybody. We understand various limitations prevent some people from visiting parks and we are doing what we can to remove those barriers, one by one, by listening, learning, forming creative partnerships, and launching innovative programs like Experience the Outdoors.
We encourage you to participate in an upcoming activity.
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