DNR Expands Park Quest Registration Opportunities with New Lottery

Photo courtesy Elton Stokes Jr

1,000 families to experience outdoor adventures in state parks  

New this year, the Maryland Park Service will conduct an open lottery registration for Park Quest ─ its popular family-based outdoor adventure program ─ from April 27 through May 1. With past years’ registration reaching the 1,000-team capacity in less than an hour, the new process will expand the opportunity to those unable to register at a set time due to prior work or personal commitments.

“Park Quest adventures are designed for families who may have never visited a state park or experienced the many natural or historical resources our public lands offer,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina. “Through Park Quest, families spend quality time together engaging in adventures that teach them about Maryland history, wildlife, agriculture and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling and conserving natural resources.”

Park Quest is an 11-week competition ─ running from May 22 through September 7 ─ which challenges families to complete outdoor activities at 20 specific state parks/sites throughout Maryland. Participants will learn about wildlife at Cunningham Falls State Park, explore hidden caves at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, and experience Patapsco Valley State Park’s sensory trail. Additional sites will engage families in environmental activities that explore the history, culture and natural beauty of Maryland’s public lands.

Teams must consist of at least one member 16 years of age or younger and at least one adult, with a max of 10 participants per team. DNR will notify the randomly chosen teams via email in early May. There will be a $10 fee per team. The groups who complete at least 10 of the quests qualify for prize drawings to be conducted in the fall.

To sign up for the Park Quest lottery, or for more information, click here. Families who may miss registration can still participate in Park Quest with paid park entry or using their annual Maryland State Park Passport, which provides unlimited day use access through 2015.

Teams who completed 10 or more quests last year and participated in the Park Quest Rendezvous will be automatically enrolled in the 2015 program as thanks for their dedication.