Rep. Bera Joins Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood and City Council Members to Present Proclamation Recognizing National Day of Play

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood and members of the Rancho Cordova City Council to present a proclamation recognizing Saturday, March 21, 2026 - the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox - as National Day of Play.

National Day of Play is a community-driven effort to encourage device-free, outdoor activities that foster social connection, improve public health, and strengthen neighborhoods. The initiative responds to growing concerns about social isolation, excessive screen time, and reduced physical activity, particularly among children, by encouraging Americans of all ages to unplug, get outside, and reconnect with their communities.

"National Day of Play is a bright spot at a time when so much of what we're seeing across the country feels heavy and discouraging," said Representative Bera. "This initiative is about tackling the growing epidemic of social isolation and encouraging our kids and all of us to put down our phones, get outside, and connect with one another. I'm grateful to Mayor Gatewood and the Rancho Cordova City Council for recognizing National Day of Play and helping build momentum here in our community."

"Across the country, we're facing an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, and too often we're 'alone together'-physically present, but not truly connected," said Mayor Garrett Gatewood. "Rancho Cordova is a city of play, and we know getting outside into our parks and shared spaces helps reduce stress, strengthens relationships, and supports healthy living. I'm grateful for Congressman Bera's leadership on National Day of Play, and I encourage everyone to unplug and join in on March 21."

Earlier this month, Representative Bera introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives to designate the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as National Day of Play.

This proclamation also builds on momentum in Sacramento County. Last month, Representative Bera joined Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond at the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting as the County adopted its own National Day of Play resolution.

You can watch the full presentation here.