A privately funded Vermont pilot will let more than 100,000 residents who receive public assistance enter any of the state’s 55 parks free of day-use charges from late May through October 2025, according to its online announcement.
The waiver is being touted as the nation’s first statewide, privately bankrolled free-entry program and is a collaboration among Vermont Parks Forever, Vermont State Parks, the Department for Children and Families’ Economic Services Division and the Health Department’s WIC Program, the state parks release said.
“Vermont’s state parks are for everyone. This pilot program will strengthen our communities and make it easier for more Vermonters to enjoy the outdoors,” Sarah Alberghini Winters, executive director of Vermont Parks Forever, said.
Eligibility extends to Vermonters enrolled in Reach Up, 3SquaresVT, Fuel Assistance, General Assistance, the Essential Person Program, Summer EBT or WIC. Showing an active EBT or WIC card at any gate covers admission for the cardholder and household members.
Those without an EBT card may request one from any DCF district office or by calling 1-800-479-6151; cards will be available after May 7.
The benefit applies only to day-use fees at the 41 parks that normally charge admission and does not cover camping or equipment rentals, according to the program FAQ.
An anonymous donor through the Vermont Community Foundation, the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation and the Jim and Judy Brown Family Growth Fund supplied initial funding, and Vermont Parks Forever hopes additional gifts will extend the effort beyond 2025.
For private campground and RV-park operators, the coming surge of first-time park visitors presents opportunities: adjust staffing and inventory to weather and event forecasts; keep real-time site availability online so overflow traffic sees openings immediately; experiment with half-day pad rentals that offer shade, Wi-Fi and a grill; and bundle gear, ice and grab-and-go meals into one QR-code purchase to shorten lines.
The initiative expands work the Park Access Fund started in 2016, which has delivered more than 50,000 free park days through more than 50 community partners, Park Access Fund data show.
Separate programs persist for other residents, including day-use passes that can be checked out at local libraries and the $2 Green Mountain Passport for Vermonters 62 or older or honorably discharged veterans, according to the library pass program.
Campground and glamping owners looking to align with the pilot’s equity focus can set aside sliding-scale sites, incorporate universal-design upgrades, train staff in inclusive service and stock affordable rental gear so first-time campers avoid steep upfront costs.
“We all benefit from time spent in Vermont’s beautiful state parks!” Winters added.
Scott Brown of Hanover, New Hampshire, helped shape the concept. Organizers say they hope the pilot will nurture connections with nature among low-income residents and will look at the program’s overall results and available funding before deciding on next steps.
Questions about park operations: 1-888-409-7579. Eligibility: 1-800-479-6151. WIC: [email protected].