America is celebrating National Park Week, and on April 22-23 those who love our nation's history, landscapes and recreational wonders can visit all National Park Service sites for free.
But as these American treasures enter their second century, they need some TLC. The National Park Service has an estimated $12 billion in overdue repairs because of years of under-funding, infrastructure that is 50 to 100 years old, and increased visitation.
Fixing our parks is a win-win for cities and their residents. Including park maintenance in infrastructure initiatives will create U.S. jobs. The National Park Service reports it has park sites in 40 of the 50 most populous cities nationwide.
National parks are an essential and treasured element of our identity, providing crucial historical and cultural education to visitors. They also provide unparalleled access to some of the world's most beautiful scenery and natural areas, attracting millions of outdoor recreationists each year.
As President Trump and Congress establish their priorities, mayors across the nation hope they will invest in our communities and our national parks. Restoring our national parks will bring jobs and tourists and ensure our history, culture and breathtaking landscapes are preserved for future generations of Americans.
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Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett is the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is a co-chair of the Mayors for Parks National Task Force.
Editorial on 04/18/2017