An Act designating the first Wednesday in May as State Parks Day

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Rush

Designate the first Wednesday in May as Massachusetts State Parks Day, with an annual Governor’s proclamation to promote and support the state’s parks and facilities.

Overview

Senate Bill 516 proposes to designate the first Wednesday in May as Massachusetts State Parks Day. The bill would require the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day, with the aim of promoting, enhancing, and maintaining the Commonwealth’s park lands and recreational facilities and supporting the development of a world-class parks system.

Purpose and Intent

Official aim: Promote awareness and appreciation of Massachusetts’ parks and recreational resources.

Strategic goal: Foster ongoing investment in and preservation of park land and facilities to advance a world-class parks system.

Advisory guidance: Encourage residents and communities to observe the day in an appropriate manner.

Key Provisions

New statutory insertion: Adds a new Section 15AAAAAAA to Chapter 6 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition).

Governor’s role: The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation designating the first Wednesday in May as Massachusetts State Parks Day.

Purpose of proclamation: Recognize the importance of promoting, enhancing, and maintaining the Commonwealth’s park lands and recreational facilities.

Observance: Recommends that the day be observed by the public in an appropriate manner.

Affected Parties and Impact

Primary actors: The Governor and state government (in coordinating and issuing the proclamation).

Affected facilities and programs: Commonwealth’s park lands, parks, and recreational facilities.

Public impact: Encourages public engagement with parks through observance and related activities; no mandatory actions or funding are required by the bill.

Local governments and organizations: Potential to organize events or programs aligned with the proclamationally observed day.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Legislative status: Introduced and filed for the 2025-2026 session; the text reflects a proposed amendment to Chapter 6.

Proclamation cadence: Annual proclamation by the Governor, tied to the first Wednesday in May.

Implementation: No specified effective date beyond enactment; enforcement is administrative (proclamations and public observance).

Additional Context

Similarity to prior efforts: A related measure was filed in a previous session (Senate No. 2066 of 2023-2024), indicating ongoing legislative interest in designating a park-focused observance.

Fiscal considerations: The bill does not create new programs or funding; expected fiscal impact is minimal, limited to administrative proclamation duties.

This summary captures the bill’s core purpose, provisions, and potential impact for readers seeking a clear, factual understanding of what Senate Bill 516 would change if enacted.

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