Sixteen free admission days to National Parks in 2016
By News Staff
news@abc6.com
U.S. Senator Jack Reed is encouraging Rhode Islanders to take advantage of the free admissions of America’s national parks.
In celebration of their 100th anniversary, The National Park Service has waived fees at all national parks on 16 days in 2016.
The first fee-free day is this coming Monday, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
On Friday, Senator Reed visited the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, which could soon be part of a national historic park that will be managed by the National Park Service, (NPS). The multi-site Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park will become Rhode Island’s first national historical park, surrounding areas of the Blackstone River and Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket.
Senator Reed said, “The Blackstone Valley is truly a national treasure. It is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and includes thousands of acres of beautiful, undeveloped land, and waterways that are home to diverse wildlife, cultural sites, and numerous recreational opportunities for Rhode Islanders. Establishing this park took perseverance and we still have a lot of work ahead of us to preserve this special area. I hope the park will bring greater recognition to Rhode Island’s unique history and create new opportunities for tourism, education, and recreation.”
Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the National Park Service.
The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for things like camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.
The other entrance fee-free days for 2016 include:
• April 16 through 24 – National Park Week
• August 25 through 28 – NPS Birthday (and following weekend)
• September 24 – National Public Lands Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day
© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2015
