2021 National Park Week

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “There is nothing so American as our national parks.”

In recognition of 2021 National Park Week, I reflect on how important these national treasures are to our country and to each of us as U.S. citizens. My professional career took a fortunate and unexpected turn in April, 38 years ago, when I joined the Division of Tourism within the Florida Department of Commerce. Since then, I’ve been privileged to lead destination marketing organizations representing the great State of Florida and Tallahassee, its capital city, for nearly 30 years; as well as now representing the United States of America for the past 8+ years. 

The state of Florida is home to 11 national memorials, monuments, parks, preserves, and seashores. The District of Columbia, our nation’s capital, is home to 25 of the most iconic and recognizable sites in the entire park system. On my commute back and forth between these two great capital cities, the view of the National Mall and Memorial Parks out of the left side of the plane on the north approach into the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is breathtaking. It never gets old. 

As we continue to grapple with what a post-COVID world will include, outside activities is definitely high on most to do lists. According to Destination Analysts, “scenic beauty, outdoor activities in warm weather, beach destinations and resorts, National Parks, and road trips are still predominant in travelers’ minds.” America’s National Parks are ideal vacation destinations and easily accessible with 423 individual sites spanning more than 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 U.S. territories. 

Our national parks are uniquely American. Don’t take these national treasures for granted. Make and take time to visit them. Individually and collectively, they will feed your mind, your heart, your soul and your curiosity.