Bipartisan resolution designates August 22–30 as “National Park Week”
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) joined his colleagues in cosponsoring a bipartisan resolution designating the week of August 22 through August 30, 2026, as “National Park Week.” The resolution, introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), recognizes the National Park Service’s role in preserving the United States’ natural, historical, and cultural treasures and encourages Americans to responsibly enjoy the nation’s public lands.
“Utahns know better than most what a gift our national parks are,” said Senator Curtis. “These landscapes connect us to our history, strengthen local economies, and give families from across the country and around the world the chance to experience some of the United States’ most remarkable places. National Park Week is an opportunity to celebrate these treasures and recommit ourselves to preserving them for generations to come.”
Background:
Utah is home to five national parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion—which draw millions of visitors each year and serve as major economic drivers for gateway communities across the state. Together with Utah’s national monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites, these public lands showcase the state’s unique landscapes while supporting outdoor recreation, tourism, and local jobs.
More broadly, the National Park System welcomed more than 323 million recreational visits in 2025, underscoring the important role national parks play in recreation and communities across the country. In 2024, visitor spending associated with national parks generated approximately $56.3 billion in economic output nationwide.
The resolution:
- Designates August 22–30, 2026, as National Park Week;
- Recognizes the National Park Service’s work to preserve the nation’s natural, historical, and cultural resources;
- Highlights the economic and recreational benefits of the National Park System; and
- Encourages Americans to responsibly visit, enjoy, and support national parks.
Senator Curtis also cosponsored the National Park Week resolution in 2025.
The full text of the resolution is available here.