As cities grow inward and video games replace playgrounds, children are increasingly leaving the great outdoors behind. The Metro Council on Thursday joined a growing movement encouraging kids to turn off the TV and get outside. By ratifying the Oregon Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, the Metro Council agreed to provide kids of the region opportunities to, among other outdoor activities, follow trails, camp under the stars, catch fish and climb trees.
As a No Oregon Child Left Inside coalition member and proud partner with regional parks and recreation districts, the Metro regional government has been a prominent advocate of outdoor activities for children and adults alike. The Outdoor Bill of Rights, which has been ratified by scores of governments statewide, lays out a common set of goals and activities that organizations across all sectors can cooperate together to provide for generations to come.
Along with encouraging physical activity and combating juvenile obesity, outdoor activities encourage children to be good stewards of the world around them. In the not-too-distant past, tree climbing and fishing were once taken for granted, but increasing urbanization and disinterest in outdoor opportunities has made such options scarcer. "Offering our kids the chance to explore their environment today ensures they'll appreciate and protect that environment for years to come," said Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, who introduced the resolution along with Metro Council President David Bragdon.
Ensuring outdoor activities for people throughout the region, Metro oversees three regional parks, the Oregon Zoo, and multiple boating facilities. It has built or connected hundreds of miles of regional trails and has invested money from two voter-approved bond measures to protect more than 10,000 acres of natural areas throughout the region. This land helps enhance water quality, wildlife habitat and access to nature for future generations. And, thanks to Metro's guided tours, field trips and volunteer events, thousands of children get up-close-and-personal with nature every year. Metro, along with a coalition of businesses, nonprofits and public agencies, is also a strong supporter of the Intertwine, a program to link trails, parks and natural areas with homes, jobs and schools to create one of the greatest parks networks in the world.