DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), invite the public to #OptOutside this Black Friday by visiting Delaware State Parks. This year, visitors can enjoy free entry to 15 state parks on Black Friday, Nov. 24, and the Brandywine Zoo is joining in on the outdoor fun and will also be waiving admission all day.

“The ‘Opt Outside’ event has become a tradition at DNREC’s Delaware State Parks, and the numbers of visitors are increasing each year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Between the Brandywine Zoo and 15 parks across the state, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Those willing to forego marathon shopping and opt instead for a day of hiking, biking, and adventuring will find more than 100 miles of trails to explore throughout Delaware, spectacular locations for bird and wildlife watching, scenic beaches, and much more.”

The Opt Outside movement, started by REI in 2015, encourages families and friends across the nation to ditch the retail madness and get outdoors on Black Friday. The 16 million-member outdoor co-op sets an example by shutting its doors, and giving its 12,000 employees a paid day off.

This is the third year that DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will be participating in the event, along with more than 700 organizations and seven million people nationwide.

All Delaware State Parks’ gates will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, with the exception of Fort Delaware State Park, which is closed for the season. In addition, park offices will be closed. The Brandywine Zoo will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public can use the hashtag #OptOutside on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to show support and invite family and friends to join the movement.

Visit destateparks.com for park locations and more fun ideas on how to get outside on Black Friday.

Vol. 47, No. 246

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DOVER – Delaware State Parks and outdoor recreation retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), invite the public to #OptOutside on Black Friday, Nov. 25, when admission to all of Delaware’s state parks will be free of charge. REI initiated the “Opt Outside” program last year to encourage children and families to enjoy the outdoors, rather than participate in Black Friday retail sales.

The $2.4 billion co-op shut all 149 of its doors on Black Friday and gave each of their 12,287 employees a paid day off so that they could get out from behind the register, and get into the great outdoors. According to REI, about 1.4 million people participated nationwide last year. This year, REI is building on that momentum by inviting the outdoor community to support the concept again.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of such an innovative and exciting movement, and hope to see many families and friends enjoying our parks all day,” said Delaware State Parks Marketing Director Madison Watkins. “Those willing to forego marathon shopping and opt instead for a day of hiking, biking and other adventures will find more than 100 miles of trails to explore throughout Delaware, spectacular locations for bird and wildlife watching, scenic views and much more.”

All Delaware State Parks gates will open at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25. Park offices will be closed. The Division encourages visitors to use the hashtag #OptOutside on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to show their support, and invite their families and friends to join in.

“We guarantee this will be more fun than standing in line at the mall,” added Watkins.

Visit www.destateparks.com for park locations and more ideas on how to spend the day outside in Delaware State Parks and check out REI.com/opt-outside to upload your #OptOutside photos.

Vol. 46, No. 405

-30-