| NEWS 16-064 | Contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
|
Discover Pass not required to visit parks on designated days
OLYMPIA – Oct. 27, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will again offer 12 free days next year, in which day-use visitors won’t need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle.
The “free days” for 2017 are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on lands managed by Washington State Parks and the Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). 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. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.
“State Parks free days are a great opportunity for those who have yet to purchase a Discover Pass to explore one of Washington’s 124 state parks,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. “Then, we hope the visit will inspire people to help support their state park system by buying a pass.”
New for next year: State Parks will offer an autumn free day on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, the day after Thanksgiving.
The 2017 State Parks free days are:
| | Jan. 1 | (Sunday) | First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day |
| | Jan. 15-16 | (Sunday-Monday) | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| | March 19 | (Sunday) | State Park’s 104th birthday |
| | April 15 | (Saturday) | Springtime free day |
| | April 22 | (Saturday) | Earth Day |
| | June 3 | (Saturday) | National Trails Day |
| | June 10 | (Saturday) | National Get Outdoors Day |
| | Aug. 25 | (Friday) | National Park Service 101st Birthday |
| | Sept. 30 | (Saturday) | National Public Lands Day |
| | Nov. 11 | (Saturday) | Veterans Day |
| | Nov. 24 | (Friday) | Autumn free day |
About Washington State ParksThe 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:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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