The National Park Service Turns 97 on August 25

Celebrate with special events and FREE entrance to national parks

WASHINGTON - On Sunday, August 25, the National Park Service turns 97 years old. To celebrate, admission to all national parks will be free so that everyone can join in the festivities taking place coast-to-coast.

“National parks belong to all Americans, and we invite everyone to join us and celebrate this special day,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “From kite-building demonstrations at Wright Brothers National Memorial, to a river paddle at New River Gorge National River or a scenic railroad ride at Steamtown National Historic Site, America’s national parks offer something for the whole family.”

With our partners at the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, we have created an online hub to help you plan your personal National Park Service birthday trip at http://www.npsbirthday.org. Join us and share birthday wishes or stories, pictures, or video from your latest or favorite national park adventure.

“Each and every day of the year, the National Park Service protects our country’s treasures, our national parks,” said Neil Mulholland, National Park Foundation president and CEO. “This month we are excited to celebrate the 97th birthday and extend our thanks to the National Park Service for their vital role in preserving America’s awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history.”

If you can’t make it to a park for the big day there are still many ways you can join the fun. The work of the National Park Service extends beyond park boundaries into communities across the country. The National Park Service works with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life. Go to http://www.nps.gov/communities/states.htm to see how we’re helping in your community.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, raises private funds that directly aid, support and enrich America’s more than 400 national parks and their programs. Chartered by Congress as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation plays a critical role in conservation and preservation efforts, establishing national parks as powerful learning environments, and giving all audiences an equal and abundant opportunity to experience, enjoy and support America’s treasured places. Join us at http://www.nationalparks.org or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/goparks.