MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has announced that Alabama State Parks will waive all entrance and parking fees on National Public Lands Day, which takes place Saturday, September 24, 2022.
“The past few years have shown us just how important outdoor recreation is to our health and well-being,” said Governor Ivey. “Spending time outdoors can reset our minds and refresh our spirits. Because of that, I encourage you to visit any of Alabama’s State Parks on National Public Lands Day and experience the best our state has to offer.”
Established in 1994, National Public Lands Day celebrates the importance of public lands like Alabama’s State Parks, wildlife management areas and Forever Wild Land Trust tracts. The day also promotes the important role volunteers play in supporting access to outdoor recreation for everyone.
“Having quality access to outdoor recreation is a vital aspect of improving the quality of life for all Alabamians,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). “I am honored that Governor Ivey has made outdoor recreation a priority of her administration. We look forward to continuing our efforts to increase access to public lands and outdoor recreation throughout the state.”
Alabama State Parks is a division of ADCNR and maintains 21 state parks encompassing approximately 48,000 acres of public land and water in the state. In recent years, the State Parks Division has been implementing an extensive renovation and improvement project statewide.
“In addition to much needed infrastructure repairs and improvements, we have updated many day use areas and modernized campgrounds throughout the parks system,” said Greg Lein, State Parks Director. “We look forward to sharing these improvements with our guests on National Public Lands Day.”
Alabama’s State Parks and other public lands are also major drivers of the state’s economy. Each year, several million people participate in outdoors-related activities in Alabama, generating an economic impact of almost $15 billion. This translates into more than 135,000 jobs for Alabamians.
Those wishing to volunteer with Alabama State Parks are encouraged to learn more about the Volunteer In Parks program, which was created to allow individuals or groups to make a positive impact year-round in each of the state’s 21 parks.
Alabama’s state parks system offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation options from the mountains of north Alabama to the state’s Gulf Coast. Although entry and parking fees will be waived on September 24, fees for park amenities such as canoe rentals and cave tours will still apply. There will be no cost for activities like hiking and mountain biking or enjoying day use areas throughout the state parks system. Plan your visit to an Alabama State Park on National Public Lands Day at alapark.com.
* Activities and Amenities that are exceptions to the free admission include: cave tours, fishing passes at the Gulf State Park Pier (sightseeing passes are free) and concessionaire activities such as ziplines.
Learn more about the history and significance of National Lands Day.
Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. Learn more about Volunteer opportunities at the Alabama State Parks.
