State Parks and Historic Sites pass program renewed for 2009
GPLS News, February 2009
Thanks to the overwhelming support it has received since its introduction in June, the "Get Outdoors Georgia" campaign's ParkPass program has been renewed for a second year. A joint initiative of GPLS and the Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division (PRHSD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the program enables Georgia's public libraries to continue making it easy for patrons to enjoy the great outdoors.
With a valid library card from a participating library system (including PINES), patrons can borrow Georgia State Park ParkPasses and Historic Site passes from their local libraries. The passes are good for free parking or admission at more than 60 attractions across the state. Folders include an annual ParkPass that exempts visitors from paying daily parking fees at state parks; an annual Historic Site pass good for free admission for one visitor; and a copy of the Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites with descriptions, photos, directions and a map.
"Our staff were unanimous in wanting to provide the passes again this year," said Tamara George, director of the Cobb County Public Library. "We have had success and lots of good will as a result of the ParkPasses," agreed Dusty Gres, director of the Vidalia-based Ohoopee Regional Library System. According to John Szabo, director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, the program was so successful there that the system supplemented its ParkPasses with passes for another local attraction, Zoo Atlanta.
"The program definitely proved to be a great way to bring people into our parks," said Sally Winchester, marketing and communications manager for PRHSD. "We hope that, once people visit the parks, they will want to come back, explore other parks and even join the Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites."
Because of the program's expected popularity, families interested in borrowing a ParkPass from their local public libraries are advised to plan early, as supplies of the passes and ParkPass folders are limited. To see a list of parks and historic sites covered by the passes, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.