Celebrate National Park Service’s Birthday with Free Entry to Parks

Date: August 21, 2013
Contact: Melanie Rawlins, 520-398-2341

Tumacácori National Historical Park will celebrate the birthday of the National Park Service – also known as "Founder's Day" – by offering free admission on Sunday, August 25.

"Birthdays are a time to celebrate and we want everyone to join the party," said Tumacácori National Historical Park Superintendent Bob Love. "National parks belong to all Americans and offer something for everyone. Visitors can walk a trail, learn about history, have a picnic, or just take in the scenery." Tumacácori's mission grounds, heritage orchard, museum, and riverside trail will all be open and accessible to visitors. Western National Parks Association (WNPA), a non-profit park partner that operates the bookstore in the park visitor center, will help celebrate by offering a 15% discount on all items on August 25th.

With the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the United States was the first country to set aside its most significant places as national parks so that they could be enjoyed by all. When President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation that created the National Park Service almost one hundred years ago, there were 37 national parks.

Today, we care for 401 national parks throughout the country – each one an important part of our collective identity. Some parks commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn something. As part of Founder's Day, visitors are invited to share their national park experiences with others through a special website at www.nps.gov/aboutus/npsbirthday.htm.

For more information on fee-free opportunities in national park units around the country, visit www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. In addition to the August 25th fee waiver, NPS sites will also allow free entry on September 28 (National Public Lands Day) and November 9-11 (Veterans Day Weekend).

The mission of the National Park Service extends beyond parks into communities across the country, where we work with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life. To see what else the NPS does here in Arizona, go to www.nps.gov/AZ.