This year marks the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary of the preservation and protection of America’s natural and cultural treasures.
The National Park of American Samoa invites everyone to “Saili Lou Paka” (Find Your Park); explore, learn and be inspired by this special place that is American Samoa.
Come join the celebration at the Suigaula ole Atuvasa Beach Park in Utulei on August 26 from 9a.m. to 1p.m.
“Often called America’s best idea, the National Park Service works hard to keep special places special by preserving, protecting, and teaching people about those places,” said Superintendent Scott Burch. “Here in American Samoa the National Park of American Samoa has a very unique and special relationship with the community. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, we are holding a special event in Utulei on August 26th and we hope everyone can come join the celebration. ”
The celebration will begin with special remarks, a cake cutting ceremony, and the unveiling of 10 local school murals that depict the uniqueness of the national park and American Samoa. Then it will be all about having fun with games, entertainment, activities, and prizes focused on engaging families in a way that educates and inspires them about this special place that we call American Samoa.
The first 500 people to complete 12 activities that day will receive a free centennial ball cap and cupcake.
“August – our birthday month – will be a nationwide celebration of national parks, and we’re inviting everyone to the party,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.
The national park thanks its many partners including the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs, American Samoa Power Authority, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, American Samoa Community College’s Land Grant, Department of Education, National Weather Service, Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, American Samoa Visitors Bureau, American Samoa Historic Preservation Office, Jean P. Haydon Museum, Office of Samoan Affairs, and the Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association.
Many of those park partners will also be at the celebration with booths and activities.
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the National Park Service "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for future generations."
The National Park of American Samoa is one of the 412 units within the National Park System.