How Two Individuals Are Improving Accessibility to 63 National Parks for People of Color

The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 highlighted the vital role of expansive outdoor areas for both physical and mental health, with over half of Americans engaging in outdoor activities. Kristen Walker and Diamon Clark were among those participants, taking part in bike rides and hikes in Washington, D.C., to remain connected to their community. During one of these hikes—arranged by the nonprofit Soul Trak Outdoors, which aims to link people of color with outdoor environments—the two met and quickly formed a connection, as Clark recalls.

Both Clark and Walker have a background of exploring nature and work in related fields: Clark holds a degree in environmental studies and has spent ten years as an environmental educator, while Walker is an animal scientist pursuing a PhD in bioenvironmental science. They were both disheartened by the statistic that only 23 percent of visitors to the nation’s 63 national parks are people of color, despite them representing nearly 40 percent of the population. (In 2018, only 6 percent of visitors to the national park system identified as Black.) Walker expressed, “I wanted to help reshape the narrative about who can access these spaces.”

A few days after their first encounter, Walker presented Clark with a concept she had been considering: What if we launched a campaign aimed mainly at African Americans to cultivate a sense of ownership over national parks and challenge the notion that outdoor spaces are reserved for affluent white Americans? Clark agreed, and thus Our Parks Too! was officially established. In December 2022, they secured funding from the Sierra Club, allowing them to embark on their journey.

Through their website, Instagram, and the Sierra Club YouTube channel, Clark and Walker document their national park adventures, including visits to New River Gorge, Shenandoah, Congaree, Mammoth Cave, Hot Springs, and Cuyahoga National Parks. Additionally, they are exploring over 400 national park units across the system, encompassing seashores, forests, and various sites.

Walker and Clark regard their digital chronicles of their journeys as a contemporary outdoor Green Book, reminiscent of the annual guide published in the 1960s for African American road travelers. They believe their efforts enhance visibility and encourage people of color to explore national parks. Besides sharing their travel experiences and highlighting some early park history, they create itineraries for individuals looking to visit national parks but unsure where to begin. They provide insights on access, accommodations, and expenses, along with helpful tips. They focus on supporting Indigenous-owned businesses near national parks and also seek out Black-owned establishments. "Sometimes we discover a Black-owned gas station or convenience store, like we did near Congaree National Park," Walker notes. "Other times, we find Black-owned restaurants in the vicinity, making sure to stop, leave a review, and include these places in our blog posts."

Regardless of the parks' differences, Clark and Walker consistently recommend visiting the visitor center to learn about the park's history—especially how it has been influenced by people of color. Some parks, such as Shenandoah National Park, have detailed information centers that explain how African Americans had their own recreational facilities, like Lewis Campground, within the park. Walker also mentions New River Gorge National Park, which features an African American History driving tour with an accompanying CD that provides a comprehensive audio and visual historic experience.

Another valuable resource? Park rangers. "They are extremely helpful in suggesting which trails to explore based on current conditions, popularity, views, and difficulty," Clark explains. She also recommends downloading the free NPS App and acquiring the America the Beautiful pass to save on entrance fees for multiple parks throughout the year.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Our Parks Too!, which aims to expand its follower base in 2024 by offering group trips, starting with visits to local park units in Maryland. However, Walker may have already experienced her proudest moment during the summer of 2023. "I was thrilled to take my family to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to celebrate Public Lands Day," she shares. "It was my grandmother’s first visit to a national park!"