TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Forest Service (KFS) is asking state residents to chime in and give their opinions on what local parks they consider to be their favorites.
The KFS has launched a new survey ahead of National Take a Walk in the Park Day on March 30 asking Kansans to weigh in on which parks they think are the best. The short survey requires respondents to enter the name and location of the park along with a short description of why they think it is special. People are also encouraged to send in a photo of the park.
Ariel Whitely-Noll told 27 News the idea behind the survey is to get more people out of the house and visiting their local parks. She said people can enter in any park located in Kansas whether that be a local neighborhood park or one of the many state parks managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).
"For the National Take a Walk in the Park Day, we are hoping to generate awareness of our cultivated green spaces and encourage folks to not only visit their parks, but also to travel to other communities and visit their parks," Whitely-Noll said. "When people visit green spaces, and notice things like trees, wildlife, and water, it can help to create a better awareness of the importance of these spaces. My hope would be that someone would share a park and that as a result it was discovered by someone new!"
Whitely-Noll said the results of the survey will be released on the KFS social media pages on March 30. This will include a tailor-made map displaying the survey's results that may be added to in the years to come.
"On March 30th, no matter if they shared a park, I hope across the state, Kansans can get outside and visit a park," Whitely-Noll said. "Notice the plants, trees, and animals. Take a moment to appreciate parks and the people and plants that make those spaces special!"
To take part in the survey, click here. You can follow the KFS on Facebook by clicking here. For more information on Kansas' state parks, click here.
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