Story Published:
Jun 10, 2009
Story Updated:
Jun 10, 2009
BRECKSVILLE, Ohio – The National Park Service will offer three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit these national treasures. There are 391 national parks located across the country in 49 states.
“During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families,” Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said at a press conference at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. “I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation’s crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free admission weekends.
“National Parks also serve as powerful economic engines for local communities and we hope that promoting visitation will give a small shot in the arm to businesses in the area.”
The 147 National Park Service sites across the country that charge fees for entry will waive entrance fees during the weekends of June 20 – 21, July 18 – 19, and Aug. 15 – 16.
Meanwhile, many park partners including tour operators, hotels, restaurants, gift shops and other vendors will offer additional discounts and special promotions on those dates. Click here for more information on the fees and discounts.
Nationwide, parks attracted more than 275 million recreation visits in 2008. Spending by non-local visitor provided $10.6 billion for local economies, supporting more than 213,000 jobs, not counting National Park Service jobs.
“Tourism income helps America’s economic recovery,” Salazar said. “National park sites in the Great Lakes states, for example, attract eight million recreation visits a year that bring $211 million into the local economies. Spending by visitors from out of the area supports 4,400 local jobs. So these areas need to maintain and expand this vital tourism.”
The entrance fees being waived at the 147 sites range from $3 to $25. The 244 other parks do not charge entrance fees. The waiver does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors – such as fees charged for camping, reservations, tours and use of concessions.
Thursday, Aug 13 at 10:05 AM nini wrote ...
Bad River Tribe of Wisconsin has fought hard for thier rights and won they have access to National parks for free...they may not have big casino profits but they are to me the richest in spirit...........they love the land and love being in it!!! go Bad River!!!!
27694072 Inappropriate? Alert Us!Tuesday, Aug 4 at 9:45 AM Desatoya wrote ...
We natives should have free access to National Parks, like the animals, of which some of our origination stories and oral history tell. It is ironic that we have to sit back and experience this economic intrusion and lack of respect for our beautiful homelands of which contain the bones of our ancestors. These parks were designated in areas most inhabited by the Native Americans prior to the invasion - they are still our homeland.
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