The city of Lake Charles will mark the National Park Trust’s third annual National Kids to Parks Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Millennium Park, on Bord Du Lac Drive.

“This event is just encouraging the community, families and kids to get out and go to a park,” said Mayor Randy Roach. “We’ve got several parks throughout the city, some really nice parks such as Lock and Millennium. It just highlights that we’ve got places around the community that people can get out and enjoy.”

Roach said children who frequent parks will grow into healthy adults, and he encourages them to get out of the house and into the sunshine to run around.

The Millennium Park event will include face painting, fun jumps, an appearance by Gumbeaux Gator, a tricycle race, train rides, a chicken run, bowling and a DJ.

National Kids to Parks Day participants can sign up at www.kidstoparks.org to be counted toward the event’s national tally.

(Rick Hickman / American Press)