State, Maricopa County waive parks entry fee for military on Veterans Day
Nov 5, 2019, 4:15 AM | Updated: 8:01 am
(Maricopa County Parks Photo)
(Maricopa County Parks Photo)
PHOENIX — Military members who visit state or Maricopa County parks on Veterans Day won’t have to worry about lightening their wallets.
Arizona State Parks & Trails is offering free admission to veterans, active-duty military and National Guard members Monday.
“This Veterans Day, Arizona is proud to offer our current and former military members free entrance to more than 30 state parks … to give them a day to relax and recreate,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in a press release.
The special does not include Boyce Thompson Arboretum or fee-based programs, including tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park or Riordan Mansion State Historic Park.
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is also waiving entry fees for veterans and active military members.
As a small token of appreciation for the freedoms afforded to all Americans, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Dept will be waiving the $7 per vehicle day-use entry fee for all active and non-active military personnel on November 11.
PR: https://t.co/A0C4LAVMwX pic.twitter.com/eBUdcpA3dY
— Maricopa County Park (@MCParks) November 4, 2019
The department has pushed the initiative since 2005, when the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors issued a formal proclamation naming Veterans Day its Military Service Appreciation Day.
“The sacrifice you make to serve our country and the time away from family and friends can never be repaid,” Bill Gates, the board’s chairman, said in a press release.
“At Maricopa County, we want to provide a small token of appreciation by providing free park entrance for those who are currently or have served for Military Service Appreciation Day.”
The waived fee is good for all 11 Maricopa County parks, which occupy about 120,000 acres throughout the county.
Disabled veterans can already get a discount for an annual pass to the parks.
