A resolution designating the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week".
This is a nonbinding Senate resolution that designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as “National Park Week.” It honors the history and mission of the National Park System, noting Yellowstone’s establishment in 1872 and the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, and emphasizes the role of national parks in recreation, education, culture, and national heritage. The resolution highlights the significance of national parks to the American public and to the economy, referencing 2024 visitation (nearly 332 million) and a 2023 economic impact of about $55.6 billion in direct spending related to park visits. It also recognizes the dedication of National Park Service staff. Importantly, the resolution invites Americans and the international community to visit, experience, recreate in, and support national parks. It is ceremonial in nature and does not authorize spending or create new, enforceable requirements; its effect is to raise awareness and encourage engagement with the National Park System.
Key Points
- 1Designates April 19–27, 2025 as “National Park Week.”
- 2Recounts the historical origins of the National Park System (Yellowstone, 1872) and the mission of the National Park Service (since 1916).
- 3Highlights the national parks’ roles in recreation, education, culture, and civic engagement, with units across states and territories.
- 4Cites 2024 visitation figures and 2023 economic impact to illustrate parks’ significance to people and the economy.
- 5States that the designation is ceremonial and encourages visitation, experiences, and support for national parks without creating new funding or legal obligations.