Residents and guests told why they enjoy Fresh Air Friday

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) invited Colorado residents and visitors to enjoy “Fresh Air Friday.”

Admission to all Colorado State Parks was free, promoting outdoor recreation as an alternative to shopping.

Mesa County has three state parks:

1) James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park. This park includes five distinct areas: Connected Lakes, Fruita Site, Island Acres, Corn Lake, and the Colorado River Wildlife Area.

2) Highline Lake State Park

3) Vega State Park

Some Mesa County residents decided to spend the day outdoors to get healthy and exercise.

“My dad just had heart surgery, so the fact that he’s up and walking is really helpful for his recovery,” said Elicia Cardenas, a Grand Junction resident.

“Well, I came to Colorado to visit my daughter, and this is what she loves to do,” said Miriam Freilicher, a visitor from Massachusetts.

Others chose to be outside for the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.

“I love nothing better than being outside and being one with nature and it’s sunny and that’s what I love about Colorado,” said Katie, a Grand Junction resident.

“It’s an opportunity to be together and experience the beauty of nature that surrounds us,” said Bonnie VanCamp, a Grand Junction resident.

Others share why they prefer walking outdoors to shopping.

“I’d rather pull my nails out one by one than go to the mall today,” said Jennifer Fegeli, a visitor from Salt Lake City. “I love the Buy Nothing Day movement, so being outside just embodies that.”

“Of course you can shop, but you should be outside whenever you can on a beautiful day like this,” said Roger, a Fruita resident.

“It’s so stressful,” said Nicole, a Grand Junction resident. “It’s too stressful and this season is not about stress, it’s about peace and blessing.”

“This kind of atmosphere is much more important to me than any other,” Freilicher said.

Find information about each state park and how to find them. Here.