Event to be held at Blackstone Valley State Park Visitor Center in Lincoln
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that due to forecasted inclement weather, the venue for tomorrow's Great Outdoors Pursuit Grand Finale has been changed.
The event has been moved from Lincoln Woods State Park to an indoor space at the Blackstone Valley State Park Visitor Center on Route 295N in Lincoln. The timing of the event remains the same, from 10 a.m. to noon. DEM has notified registered Pursuit participants of the location change and posted the information on its Facebook page.
Saturday's Great Outdoors Pursuit Grand Finale includes an appearance by Smokey Bear, a Mastery Martial Arts demonstration, the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America inflatable archery range, and an awards ceremony for registered participants. The Department looks forward to celebrating the close of another fantastic summer exploring Rhode Island's natural spaces with Pursuit participants at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center on Saturday.
The Great Outdoors Pursuit challenges families to visit state parks and other outdoor areas throughout the summer and participate in activities, ranging from birding to fly-fishing and archery. Participants register online and self-print a Pursuit Passport. At each event attended, "stamps" are earned for the Passport. Registration is free, and participating children are eligible for prizes. Last year, more than 850 people joined the Pursuit.
Rhode Island is home to a wealth of historic parks, beaches, bikeways, and other recreational facilities that support the economy and residents' quality of life. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs each year. A recent study conducted by the University of Rhode Island found that State-managed parks and bikeways alone contribute $311 million to the economy annually and support over 3,700 jobs and nine million visits.
For more information on the Pursuit, visit www.dem.ri.gov/Pursuit. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RIGreatOutdoors for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.