State Parks Gear Up for Park Quest 2011

Maryland Park Service is preparing for another summer of families hiking, canoeing and heading out on scavenger hunts.

Park Quest, the family-friendly, team-building outdoor adventure that pits teams of up to 10 people competing against each other to complete various recreational activities in Maryland’s state parks, begins May 7 and runs through September 5. Official team registration begins April 25.

Right now, participating state parks are “working on website content, activity development and gaining funds and sponsorships for our big finale and prize awarding in September,” said Sarah Witcher, 29, park ranger and Northern Area Manager for Gunpowder Falls State Park.

The aim of Park Quest is to “get teams out to explore and enjoy Maryland State Parks,” according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. When teams register, they are issued a Park Quest Passport, which grants teams access to all participating state parks; no day services fees are charged to Park Quest participants. Teams must include at least one adult and one child 16 years old or younger.

For teams, the goal is to successfully complete challenges at 10 of the participating 24 state parks. Challenges split according to levels of difficulty. “Park Quests” are basic activities, ranging from hiking and completing activity sheets, to conducting a scavenger hunt.

On average, they take teams no more than two hours to complete. “Super Quests” include more strenuous activities like canoeing and kayaking; these quests, since offered through private contractors in the state parks, do come with a monetary fee. “Bonus Quests” are additional activities tacked on to a regular Park Quest.

Maryland Park Service encourages teams “to complete the Bonus Quests to fully experience the Park they are visiting.” Upon completing quests, teams will have their passports endorsed by a park staff member.

Ultimately, teams that complete at least 10 challenges—and have therefore visited 10 parks—will be eligible to attend the Park Quest Finale, at which they have the chance to win themed prize packages. Previous prizes have included kayaks, camping gear and bicycles. As such, families are especially encouraged to participate in various quests.

“Park Quest is a really unique program for families throughout Maryland,” said Witcher. “Spending time together in the outdoors is incredibly valuable both for development of strong relationships, but also for passing to future generations a strong love of and care for our local natural environment.”

This year, up to 1,000 teams can register to participate, an increase of 250 teams from last year.

Matt Ritter,  Maryland Park Service’s chief of interpretation,  the updated Park Quest website will come online this weekend and will feature the most updated information about Park Quest 2011.

List of Participating Parks:

Pocomoke River
Janes Island
Assateague
Martinak
Sassafras
Sandy Point
Cedarville
Smallwood
Greenwell
Gunpowder Falls
Soldier's Delight
Patapsco Valley
Fair Hill
Elk Neck
Susquehanna
Seneca
South Mountain
Cunningham Falls
Fort Frederick
Western Maryland Rail Trail
Rocky Gap
New Germany
Deep Creek
Herrington Manor