When you get your body moving outdoors, it’s beneficial for your health and well-being. A great way to enjoy healthy fresh-air exercise is to take advantage of the many beautiful trails at Kansas State Parks. Hiking, biking, kayaking and horse riding on state park trails can help make you happier, add to family memories, promote a healthy body and even help you live longer. The state’s largest health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), is teaming up with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to sponsor Healthy Trails Adventure Day Oct. 1, with free admission to all 26 Kansas State Parks.
“As a nearly lifelong Kansan, I have had the opportunity to explore many of our beautiful state parks with my family and friends, and know first-hand the array of trails our state parks offer for hiking, biking, running or horseback riding,” said Andrew C. Corbin, BCBSKS president/CEO. “In my role as president of Blue Cross, I also know how important it is for Kansans to be more physically active in order to live longer, healthier and less stressful lives. That is why we are proud to partner again with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to encourage Kansans to enjoy our great outdoors by offering free admission to all state parks Oct. 1.”
Kansas State Parks include more than 500 miles of trails, 32,200 acres of land, some 280 miles of roads, 10,000 campsites that include utility hookups and cabins, and access to more than 130,000 surface-acres of water.
“Connecting with nature offers healthy benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Our Kansas State Parks offer unique terrain, amazing trails, and scenic landscapes for everyone to enjoy,” said Robin Jennison, secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “We’re pleased that for a second year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has chosen the Kansas State Parks to serve as the centerpiece of this campaign. Thank you Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas for your commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle to your members and all Kansans.”
To help promote healthy outdoor activity to children, BCBSKS has produced a coloring and activity book featuring illustrations that highlight outdoor activities in our Kansas State Parks, a map of all 26 state park locations and a chart listing the kinds of trails each state park offers. Information about the parks and educational tips are included. The coloring and activity books will be distributed across Kansas at state park locations, rest stops, local tourism offices and at the Kansas State Fair.
For more information about Healthy Trails Adventure Day, including how to find a state park near you and how to share your experience via the campaign’s social media channels (#HealthyAdventure), go to bcbsks.com/HealthyAdventure.