The National Park Service is asking for help from the public in planning activities to celebrate its 100th anniversary in August 2016. Public meetings begin in West River locations this week while written comments are scheduled to be accepted on Facebook sites run by area National Park Service units through 2015.
Festivities for the National Park Service centennial begin in the spring of 2016 and will run through the remainder of that year.
Wind Cave National Park spokesman Tom Farrell says gathering ideas from the American public to celebrate the centennial has a variety of goals.
“We’re not looking for just one-time events we could do,” Farrell explains. “We’re also looking for types of activities that we could do on an annual basis and start some new traditions.”
It’s also hoped that the public input process will serve as an opportunity to introduce the National Park Service to the next generation of visitors, supporters, and advocates while re-energizing those who already know and love the parks.
As for Wind Cave….
“From a Wind Cave perspective…we’re just kind of starting our planning process,” Farrell comments. “One idea that’s potentially been kicked around is doing a Volksmarch. Trying to get people off the paved roads and into the back countries. Each park kind of has a few ideas but and we really need to flesh them out. We’re hoping to get some good ideas from the public.”
Farrell notes that interest is already so keen public meetings may be extended to East River areas. He says the Park Service is especially looking for input from the younger generations, including kids.
Farrell also adds that since all the NPS locations are “nationally” owned, citizens can offer their comments for any of its sites.
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National Park Service Centennial Celebration Public Meetings
Tuesday, January 27 – Custer, S.D. - Black Hills National Forest Supervisor's Office - 1019 N. 5th Street. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 28, - Rapid City, S.D. - The Outdoor Campus - West - 4130 Adventure Trail. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 29 – Hot Springs, S.D. - The Mueller Center - 801 S. 6th Street 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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https://www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice
http://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wind-Cave-National-Park/127899503922510