Author Richard Louv on Parks, Nature and Children

Participants to NRPA's National Summit on Environmental Stewardship came expecting a knock-out keynote address from Richard Louv, author of the critically acclaimed Last Child in the Woods, which chronicles children's lack of connection from nature and the outdoors.

They weren't disappointed.

For 30 minutes, Louv kept delegates' attention, taking on issues including suburban development that removes natural play from children's lifestyles, physical education disappearing from local schools, and parents' fear of releasing their children into the "unknown world."

"Parks need to be seen as preventative medicine," said Louv, who also stressed that we, as adults and parents, "need to enjoy the outdoors with our kids."

Also needed, stressed Louv, is greater support to organizations (such as parks) that help parents and kids "feel safe outdoors."

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• parks
• nature
• children
• environment
• sustainability
• grassroots
• outreach
• public
• service
• announcements