No Discover Pass needed to visit parks on designated days
OLYMPIA – Dec. 11, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces Thursday, Jan. 1 is the first of 12 “free days” in 2015 when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass to visit a state park.
The “free days” are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass—a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on state 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” when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required to access WDFW and DNR lands.
“We hope the public will take advantage of a State Parks free day to get out and sample a new park or revisit an old favorite, and then consider supporting state recreation lands by purchasing a Discover Pass,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch.
The 2015 State Parks free days are as follows:
- January 1 – (Thursday) New Year’s Day and State Parks’ First Day Hikes Day
- January 18 and 19 – (Sunday and Monday) Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- March 19 – (Thursday) Washington State Parks’ 102nd birthday
- 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 99th birthday
- September 26 – (Saturday) National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – (Wednesday) Veterans Day
More information about the Discover Pass is at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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:
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.
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