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Contact: Media Contact, Katie Corrigan, 3052427714 Contact: Media Contact Mary Plumb, 3052427017 Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700 he 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 toFind 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.
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 800-634-0939 or 305-294-7009 or www.drytortugas.com. For seaplane schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Key West Seaplane Adventures: phone 305-293-9300 or www.keywestseaplanecharters.
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.
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Last updated: August 20, 2015