California State Parks will honor men and women who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces this Memorial Day by offering free admission at participating state parks. “This free day not only honors Armed Forces and veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country, but it also gives them the opportunity to enjoy California’s amazing, diverse and wonderful parks and explore their history and beauty,” said Lisa Mangat, Director of California State Parks.
Participating state parks include 133 parks that are accessible with the “Surf Explorer” Annual Pass, plus eight State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs), as well as the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.
Veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel must show a valid military I.D. or proof of honorable discharge (e.g.: signed copy of DD214 From), in order to receive free admission.
The free admission is part of AB 150 (Olsen), signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. last year, which authorizes California State Parks to offer veterans, active duty or reserve military personnel for the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard of any state a reduced or free day use at participating California state parks.
California State Parks will also offer free admission for active duty or reserve military and veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015.
The department also has a free “Distinguished Veteran Pass” for honorably discharged war veterans who are residents of California, prisoners of war or recipients of the Medal of Honor.
To view requirements and to find out how to apply for this pass, please visit California State Park’s website at www.parks.ca.gov.
