Baker-Polito Administration Declares June as “Great Outdoors Month”

Baker-Polito Administration Declares June as “Great Outdoors Month”

Governor Signs Proclamation at “Capital Campout” Event on Castle Island

CASTLE ISLAND- Friday, June 5, 2015- Today, at an event located at historic Fort Independence on Castle Island, Governor Charlie Baker joined with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Carol Sanchez, and fourth grade students from the Condon Elementary School in South Boston and their families, to announce June as “Great Outdoors Month.” Governor Baker signed a proclamation officially declaring the month as “Great Outdoors Month” to encourage citizens from across the Commonwealth to enjoy outdoor recreational activities in the state’s diverse landscapes and natural environments.

“I am pleased to announce June as ‘Great Outdoors Month’ in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts has 450,000 acres of public land that includes parks, forests, and beaches for our citizens to enjoy every day,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is my hope that families across the Commonwealth will take full advantage of the wonderful opportunity to explore the countless outdoor activities throughout our state.”

Governor Baker signed the proclamation at Fort Independence located on Castle Island during DCR’s Capital Campout event, where students and their families learned alongside Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Beaton, and Commissioner Sanchez valuable camping skills like how to pitch a tent, safely starting and maintaining a campfire, and how to cook outdoors.

“Today’s Capital Campout serves as a perfect example of how families in every part of the state can enjoy our state parks and beaches, regardless of where they live,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to working with our local communities to protect and preserve our state’s precious natural resources, like Castle Island, for future generations to enjoy.”

“As an avid outdoorsman, I am proud to stand with Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Commissioner Sanchez to kick off “Great Outdoors Month” at historic Fort Independence,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Commonwealth’s parks give children and families from every corner of Massachusetts the opportunity to enjoy wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities and I hope that everyone will take advantage of what our state parks and beaches have to offer during this summer.”

“My children grew up hiking, swimming, and fishing in our local state parks and I’m so pleased that Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Secretary Beaton want to preserve those opportunities for generations to come,” said DCR Commissioner Carol Sanchez. “The Department of Conservation and Recreation is proud to offer families across the state hundreds of opportunities, just like the Capital Campout event, to get outdoors and enjoy the summer in our state parks, forests, and beaches.”

From the summit of Mt. Greylock to historic Plymouth Rock, there is something for everybody with more than 250 state parks, 87 ocean and inland beaches, 18 islands, 37 swimming pools, 29 campgrounds, 2,000 miles of greenways and trails, and 145 miles of paved biking trails to incorporate into an active and healthy lifestyle.

The “Capital Campout” event was made possible by the generosity of Coleman Company, Inc., who donated tents and camping supplies; Whole Foods, who provided food and nutritional programming; Sullivan’s, who provided food, Fishing Finatics, who provided fishing equipment and lessons; and The American Recreation Coalition who assists in organizing the “Great Outdoors Month” and “Capital Campout” campaigns across the nation each year.