ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – A campaign is underway to get New York kids off the internet and into the great outdoors.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ summer campaign to encourage Empire State kids and families to trade the phone screen for some sunshine.
To celebrate the initiative and encourage people to get outside, Hochul announced that the state is waiving swimming pool entry fees at New York’s state parks this summer.
“Think about when you were young, what you did with your time. You kick ball as you played catch, you swam. You just enjoyed life. You weren’t sitting indoors, holding being held captive to your cell phone,” said Hochul.
Hochul said the state has spent $150 million on pools and swimming in the state – including swim education and attracting lifeguards.
She also touted their work supporting youth mental health by taking aim at addictive social media practices.