Kansas State Parks, in partnership with the Kansas Public Library System, is providing library patrons with daily vehicle permits to state parks. The permits are available through December.
The daily vehicle passes give its holders free admission to any of Kansas’s 28 state parks. Park visitors must go to a participating library and ask to check out a “Kansas State Parks Vehicle Permit,” according to a report.
Click here to see the list of participating libraries.
Each permit is valid for only one day, written on the front of the permit. Patrons using it must show the permit on the vehicle’s windshield when entering a state park. The permit does not need to be returned to the libraries and can be thrown away after use or when it expires.
The check-out process may vary depending on the participating library. Each library can determine how many permits can be issued at any given time and how many permits can a library patron have in total. Contact the participating library to learn more about the check-out details.
“We’re committed to making sure Kansas state parks remain accessible to all,” Kansas State Parks director Linda Lanterman said in a news release.
“Through this collaborative effort with Kansas Public Libraries, we’re able to remove a financial barrier for some who may not have been able to enjoy our natural resources otherwise. I’m excited for the individuals and families who will benefit from this because they won’t regret making the trip to a Kansas state park.”
The list of more than four dozen Kansas libraries includes Kansas City, Topeka, and Manhattan. Wichita is not on the list.
Libraries interested in participating should contact program coordinators Riston Landwehr at [email protected] or Kati Westerhaus at [email protected].
Libraries pay $5 for the permits sold in books of 25. If they have any leftover passes at the end of the year, they can get a refund from the State Parks Division.
The partnership between state parks and libraries in giving out park vehicle permits was first done in California last month. In California, a patron with a library card can check out a California State Library Parks Pass, giving them free entry to over 200 participating state parks.
To locate at Kansas state park nearest you, visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations.
This article originally appeared on KSN.com.
How cool is it that you can snag a free vehicle permit at a Kansas state library and head off for a day of fun in the state parks? Don’t forget to swing by your nearest library to grab yours and take advantage of this awesome initiative that’s all about making nature accessible and enjoyable. Go on, get out there and soak up the great outdoors!