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Tag: Kids In Parks

Falling in Love with State Parks: Our Kids in Parks Program

“This was transformative. Students that were afraid of getting dirty had muddy knees and big smiles as they reclaimed their seats on the bus to head back to school. “

That’s what we want to hear after a group of kids takes a trip to one of Tennessee’s state parks. This past school year we approved school trips for 5,000 students from across the state. More than half of those kids have never been to a state park. We fund transportation grants for Title 1 schools, and the park rangers do the rest. When rangers work with these kids, they are providing natural experiences in creeks and along trails while also building on the lessons they are learning in class by giving them hands-on-experiences.

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My TN State Park 2025 Final Results: Celebrating a Remarkable Year of Support for Tennessee’s Natural Treasures

Tennessee State Parks mean something special to each of us. From hiking trails to family picnics, these natural spaces give us room to breathe, play, and reconnect. In 2025, the My TN State Park Fundraiser gave park lovers a chance to show how much they care, and their response made it a remarkable year. Through generous donations, supporters showed appreciation, improved their favorite parks, and championed continued investment in Tennessee’s outdoor future.

A Remarkable Year of Support for Tennessee State Parks

The 2025 My TN State Park Fundraiser brought in strong support from across Tennessee, with 1,305 donors contributing $109,394. Each donation doubled as a vote, letting supporters back the parks they love in a fun and interactive way.

This engaging format helped raise essential funds while sparking friendly competition and deeper connections to Tennessee State Parks statewide. Every dollar will support meaningful projects that preserve our state’s natural beauty and enhance park experiences for future generations.

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Enriching Youth Lives Through the Power of Parks

This summer, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy launched a program to benefit youth mental health while expanding its year-round engagement with Tennessee’s youth. By increasing involvement, the Conservancy aims to help youth and families from historically marginalized communities access the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor public spaces.

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