Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and six Virginia State Parks across Central Virginia have announced the launch of the Healthy Parks, Healthy People program for community members and park visitors.

“The new initiative encourages people to spend more time recreating outdoors on their public lands,” according to a press release. “The program is a partnership of seven parks including Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Bear Creek Lake State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, James River State Park, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park and Twin Lakes State Park.”

Visitors can request a passport booklet at any participating park to get information about each park’s trails and track their visits and hikes. “Those who walk a trail at a park can receive a stamp at each park’s visitor center, with one unique stamp at each of the seven parks. When all seven stamps are collected, the booklet can be turned in for a commemorative patch.”

“Those who complete all seven trails and receive a patch will also be entered into a drawing for special prizes, including a National Park Pass and a Virginia State Park Pass,” officials said in a press release. “The National Park Pass, an $80 value, will allow for free entry for more than 400 National Park sites for one year. The Virginia State Parks Pass is a $66-dollar value and grants entry into all 37 state parks for one year.”

“All of the parks will also be holding special events throughout the summer to kick-start the Healthy Parks Healthy People program, including … an Earth Day celebration at Holliday Lake State Park on Saturday … at 2 p.m. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will host a Fun Run at 6:30 p.m. beginning at the North Carolina Monument parking area.”

The Healthy Parks Healthy People partnership’s mission is intended to showcase healthy recreational opportunities on public lands in Central Virginia, to increase awareness of the national and state parks, encourage stewardship of these special places and promote the park’s importance in tourism and economic development in their communities, officials said in the release. “For more information about Virginia State Parks and to find out when and where future events will take place, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

“Specific questions about the passport booklet and events at Appomattox Court House NHP may be directed to Daniel Puckette at Daniel.Puckette@gmail.com or call (434) 352-8987, ext. 233.”