By Randy King
As shared public spaces and gathering places, our national parks serve as important and tangible symbols of democracy and the democratic process. Common ground held and protected in trust for the common good; places of, by, and for the people.
Keeping common ground requires a renewing commitment from one generation to the next. The park we use and enjoy today is a gift from those who came before us. We who now enjoy this gift have responsibility to care for it. In this all may contribute--as visitors mindful of how gently we use our park and as citizens advocating for our shared public spaces.
You are joined in caring for your park by an incredibly talented, skilled and dedicated team of park employees, volunteers, partners, and other contributors. For many, this work on behalf of the national parks and public service can become a calling, the fulfillment of a purpose larger than self.
The beauty of it is that every person has the same joyful right to create their own deeply meaningful, personal connections with their national parks and public lands. In so doing, one may also kindle an understanding and love of the nation, heritage, and history we share, discovering common cause through common ground.
Thank you for visiting Mount Rainier.
Randy King is superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park. He wrote this article for Tahoma News, the park’s quarterly newsletter.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment