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Free days honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; no Discover Pass needed

OLYMPIA – Jan. 5, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces that Sunday, Jan. 15 and Monday, Jan. 16 are the next state parks free days when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day visits at state parks. The free days are to honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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.

In 2017, State Parks offers 12 free days, the first of which was on Jan. 1. The remaining free days for 2016 are:

• 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
• une 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

State Parks hopes the free days will encourage people to get out and discover a new park or revisit an old favorite and then consider supporting recreation on state lands by purchasing a Discover Pass. More information about the pass is here: www.discoverpass.wa.gov

Note: The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, December through March, visitors to Sno-Parks will need Sno-Parks permits. For more information about winter recreation permit requirements, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/winter

For a list of all the free days for 2017, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=262

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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:

• http://parks.state.wa.us/
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks 
• Twitter: @WAStatePks
• You Tube: www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks

Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at 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. 

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650

Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388