Every Kid in a Park Initiative Launches at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park

President Obama is giving every 4th grader in the United States a free pass for their families to visit all federally owned lands and waters (including our national parks) for a year. As part of this initiative, Every Kid in a Park - Richmond will bring 1,200 4th graders from Richmond and San Pablo schools to the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to get their passes and to walk one-mile along the San Francisco Bay Trail.

On Wednesday, March 23, the Every Kid in a Park-Richmond program will launch at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, at the historic Craneway Pavilion. National Park Service Deputy Director Denise Ryan will present 4th graders from Richmond’s Peres Elementary School with Every Kid in a Park passes.

In honor of the National Park Service Centennial, this is a new partnership between UC Berkeley, West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), the National Park Service, Rosie the Riveter Trust and Groundwork Richmond. For many of the 4th graders, this will be a first-ever national park experience. UC Berkeley student interns are being trained by National Park Service rangers to help lead the 4th graders through their learning experiences in the park.

UC Berkeley shares a historic connection with the National Park Service. In 1915, a conference held at the UC Berkeley campus provided the foundation for the creation of the National Park Service the following year. UC Berkeley has remained actively involved with the National Park System over the past century, and the California Outdoor Engagement Coalition at the College of Natural Resources is working to connect under-represented youth with the outdoors through Every Kid in a Park and other programs.

Launch Event Schedule

9:30-10:00 a.m. Launch Event Ceremony

Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA

Deputy Director Ryan will present Every Kid in a Park passes to approximately 80 4th grade students. Local leaders from the National Park Service (including Superintendent Tom Leatherman), City of Richmond (including Mayor Tom Butt), UC Berkeley (including College of Natural Resources Dean Keith Gilless) and West Contra Costa Unified School District (including School Board President Randy Enos) will also be present.

10:00-11:00 a.m. Every Kid in a Park Field Trip

Students begin Every Kid in a Park field trip with a walk along the San Francisco Bay Trail, presenting opportunities for photos and to connect with Deputy Director Ryan, Mayor Butt, WCCUSD School Board President Enos, and other leaders.