A group of Jackson County organizations is sponsoring an activity to encourage local families to get outside and have fun together.

Jackson County residents are invited to “park hop” beginning May 30 through July 31 by getting a passport to local parks.

Molly Marshall, health and human sciences educator for Purdue Extension Jackson County, said Healthy Jackson County is working with the libraries in the county in coordination with their Summer Learning Program.

“This is just another activity for residents to participate in this summer,” she said. “The Park Hop and Summer Learning Program are separate activities. We are just kicking them off at the same time, and the handouts will be located at all of the libraries for patrons to pick up to participate.”

When participants come to the library, they may sign up for the Summer Learning Program and the Park Hop at the same time.

The event is a partnership with Healthy Jackson County, the Seymour Parks and Recreation Department, Jackson County Public Library (Seymour, Medora and Crothersville branches), Brownstown Public Library and Schneck Medical Center.

Marshall said there is no official signup for the Park Hop. People can just pick up the paperwork, visit as many parks as they want and complete the suggested activities.

“Return the prize submission form by July 31 to any of the local libraries to have a chance to win prizes,” she said. “Prizes will include water bottles, games and activities to promote physical activity both at home and at the park.”

Forms will be entered into a random drawing for prizes with one entry per family.

Marshall said the goal of the Park Hop is to encourage participants to go outside, visit the local parks, be active and learn about all of the different opportunities for physical activity the parks can offer.

“Participation in the program is free, and you can sign up by picking up a passport from one of the local libraries and then visiting any one, or preferably all, of the parks,” Marshall said. “There is no minimum requirement, as we are encouraging people to get out and visit the different parks in Jackson County over the course of the summer.”

She said the library in Seymour also offers disc golf, pickleball and outdoor games that can be checked out in the summer months.

Marshall said the idea for the event was brought to Jackson County by Katelyn Kutemeier, community wellness coordinator with Purdue Extension, after she was…