Park Talk June 2025

RivCoParks Outdoor Events: Connecting Families to Nature BY JACQUELYN MULLER Explore

This year, RivCoParks hosted three unforgettable Outdoor Explore events at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, Hurkey Creek Regional Park, and Mayflower Regional Park. Each event drew in over 100 families for a brand new outdoor experience. These events are a key element of the RivCoParks Outdoor Equity Program, designed to eliminate barriers and expand access to nature for all Riverside County residents. At each location, participating families received free camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and lanterns, allowing families to experience camping for the very first time. The weekends were full of hands on outdoor education, including camp set-up workshops, stories by the campfire, and a full day of activities like kid-friendly archery, axe throwing, basketball, and hundreds of giveaways to support any camping experience.

The initiative is driven by three core goals:

• Increase access to outdoor recreation for families facing financial or social barriers.

• Raise visibility of the many sites, parks, and experiences offered by RivCoParks.

• Create memories that inspire the next generation of outdoor explorers!

Each Outdoor Explore event reinforces RivCoParks’ commitment to equity, community, and stewardship, ensuring that every family, regardless of background, can connect with nature and build lifelong memories at RivCoParks!

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