PROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will launch the 2015 Great Outdoors Pursuit at Lincoln Woods State Park this Saturday, June 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will feature a BoldrDash obstacle course, rock climbing wall, kayaking and kids' fishing. A full list of activities is attached.
Participants will also be able to sample cheesecake made with Rhode Island-grown strawberries (while supplies last), help DEM Fish and Wildlife staff stock trout in Olney Pond and learn about health and environmental topics. Prizes of children's bikes, state beach passes, fishing equipment and Coleman camping equipment will be raffled off for taking part in certain activities.
Registration is free. Families/teams may register online at www.riparks.com or at the event. Teams that register are eligible to participate in raffles. Everyone, even if they don't register, is welcome to come to the events and enjoy the fun and educational activities.
The kickoff at Lincoln Woods is the first of a series of events which are part of the 2015 Great Outdoors Pursuit. The remaining three events are as follow:
• Pursuit #2 – Wednesday, July 1 – Champlin Scout Reservation, Cranston, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Boy Scouts of Rhode Island. • Pursuit #3 – Sunday, July 26– Rocky Point State Park, Warwick, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will explore Rhode Island's newest state park! • Pursuit #4 (Grand Finale) – Saturday, August 8 – Burlingame State Campground, Charlestown. Grand prizes will be awarded at this event and will include a free overnight camping option with evening activities for registered families.
Families will also be challenged to take part in three self-guided outdoor adventures where they select events and activities from a list provided by DEM and do them on their own time. Teams then provide proof of visit to receive credit. Self-guided options will be announced at Lincoln Woods on June 13.
DEM started the Great Outdoors Pursuit in 2008 to help children and their families enjoy the recreational resources and outdoor activities our state parks have to offer and to encourage more physical activity. Support for the project comes from partners including UnitedHealthcare, Fort Adams Trust, Verizon Fios, Clivus New England, Coleman, the American Recreation Coalition, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and other businesses. A full list of sponsors and partners appears on the program website.
Please contact Robert Paquette at (401) 667-6200, email robert.paquette@dem.ri.gov or Terri Bisson at (401) 222-2776, ext. 4402, email at terri.bisson@dem.ri.gov for more information.