OLYMPIA – Washington State Parks turns 102 years old on Thursday, March 19, and visitors are invited to help celebrate by getting out to enjoy a state park for free that day.
With the 2015 spring and summer seasons just around the corner, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission reminds the public that there are recreation opportunities available in more than 100 parks, trails and recreation sites all over the state. March 19 is the third of 12 State Parks “free days” in 2015, when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass to visit a park.
“These free days are great way for people to explore a new park or return to an old favorite,” said Commission Chair Pat Lantz of Gig Harbor. “Once people realize just what they have in Washington state parks, we hope they consider buying a Discover Pass. Revenues from the pass are so important; they help keep our parks open and accessible.”
For information about Discover Pass, visit online at www.DiscoverPass.wa.gov.
Free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources. The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 “free days” each year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. Discover Pass is required to access DFW and DNR Lands on State Parks free days.
The remaining 2015 State Parks free days are as follows:
• April 4 – (Saturday) A springtime free Saturday
• April 22 – (Wednesday) Earth Day
• May 10 – (Sunday) A springtime free Sunday
• June 6 – (Saturday) National Trails Day
• June 13 – (Saturday) National Get Outdoors Day
• August 25 – (Tuesday) National Park Service’s 99th birthday
• September 26 – (Saturday) National Public Lands Day
• November 11 – (Wednesday) Veterans Day
The Discover Pass provides daytime access to parks. Overnight visitors in state parks are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations; day access is included in the overnight fee. The Discover Pass does not replace the Sno-park permit requirement for use of Sno-Park winter recreation sites.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks online at www.parks.wa.gov.
