Newark Residents Offered Free Entrance To State Parks
NEWARK, CA – A swipe of a library card is enough for Newark residents and all Californians to venture into the great outdoors for free.
California State Parks officials encourage Californians to take advantage of the many ways to visit state parks for free, including using the California State Parks Library Pass.
Officials said Tuesday CalWORKs families, Social Security recipients, fourth graders, and library card holders can waive their admission fees for entry to over 200 state parks and beaches — like Angel Island, Big Basin Redwoods, and Mount Tamalpais in the Bay Area.
All public library card holders can access a free day pass to any participating state park through their local public library. The lending times and the number of available passes depend on the respective library.
The three-year library card pilot program distributed 5,000 cards to more than 1,000 libraries statewide when it launched in April 2022. State park officials said another 28,000 library cards will soon be distributed to libraries, which will increase the average number of cards available at each branch through April 24.
“California’s libraries serve their communities in many ways, aside from providing the books that Californians want to read,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “They look at tools and DVDs, offer online learning that you can access 24/7 – even homework tutoring. And now they’re helping open the window on California’s stunning state parks. in person or online.”
More ways to get free entry to the state park
Families receiving assistance through CalWORKS, Social Security recipients, and residents over the age of 62 with qualifying income may also apply for the Golden Bear Pass, a program started in 1977 to improve equitable park access that offers an annual pass for day use at more than 200 parks and beaches.
In its second year, the three-year pilot program California State Park Adventure Pass offers all California fourth graders and their families free passes to 19 select state parks.
The program, created by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom in her California for All Kids initiatives, has issued more than 26,000 passes to families to date. Newsom said families should use the program to connect with the state’s natural beauty as well as each other.
“Spending time outdoors can have a tremendously positive impact on a person’s mood, stress levels and overall well-being,” Siebel Newsom said in a press release. “The Adventure Pass, Library Parks Pass and Golden Bear Pass offer Californians expanded access to our beautiful state parks and all the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors.”
Residents who qualify for the Golden Bear Pass and Park Adventure Pass can go to reservecalifornia.com to obtain a pass.
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