FIND YOUR PARK AND CELEBRATE THE 99TH BIRTHDAY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

News Release Date: August 20, 2015

Contact: Media Contact, Katie Corrigan, 3052427714

Contact: Media Contact Mary Plumb, 3052427017

Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700

 The National Park Service is turning 99 years old on August 25 and Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks want to give you a present – free admission! The usual entrance fee will be waived for all visitors on August 25. Come experience the beauty of the Everglades, or a very special living history event at Dry Tortugas, depicting what life was like at Fort Jefferson back in the 1860’s. Re-enactors will be at the park from August 25 through 28 and will recreate the experiences of Battery “C” stationed at Fort Jefferson during the Civil War.

According to Everglades and Dry Tortugas Superintendent Pedro Ramos, “We are excited to join in the nationwide celebration of the 99th birthday of the National Park Service. National Parks offer something for everyone, so I invite you to Find Your Park on August 25 with free entrance, and to join the celebration.”

In preparation for next year’s big Centennial celebration, the National Park Service is inviting everyone to Find Your Park. To encourage people to discover everything a park experience can be, there is a fun list of 99 ways to Find Your Park. You can also share your park experience with others by posting on social media with the hashtag #FindYourPark.  

At Everglades National Park, entrance fees will be waived at the main park entrance near Homestead, and at the entrance station at Shark Valley.  Several #Find Your Park experiences await, including: #21- Paddle a water trail; #76 - Renew your spirit; or #93 - Watch wildlife. The main park entrance is located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida. Shark Valley is located at 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida (on Highway 41, 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike in Miami). Before travelling to the park check out the park website or contact the general information number for tips on how best to experience the park at this time of year https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/index.htm

At Dry Tortugas National Park, in addition to the special Living History event being held August 25-28, a variety of remarkable experiences await visitors who venture out to this remote national park, including camping, snorkeling, bird watching, fishing, or just enjoying a view from the top of massive Fort Jefferson. Several #Find Your Park experiences await, including: #8 – Experience Silence; #50 - Immerse yourself in a living history program; or #79 - See the starry, starry night. Before travelling to the park check out the park website or contact the general information number for tips on how best to experience the park at this time of year https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/index.htm   

Ferry and Sea Plane operators will waive park entrance fees of $5 on August 25. For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Yankee Freedom III: phone [phone] or 305-294-7009 or www.drytortugas.com.  For seaplane schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Key West Seaplane Adventures: phone [phone] or www.keywestseaplanecharters.com.

On Aug. 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service. Today, there are 408 national parks throughout the country and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn. And, on August 25, all national parks will offer free entrance for everyone.

The mission of the National Park Service also extends beyond park boundaries. Community partnerships help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. To see what is happening in Florida, go to www.nps.gov/FL.