MONTPELIER — Vermont Parks Forever, the only non-profit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks, is excited to announce a first-in-the-nation, privately funded pilot program that will provide free day-use entry to Vermont State Parks for over 100,000 income eligible Vermonters this 2025 park season.
In partnership with Vermont State Parks, the Department for Children and Families’ Economic Services Division, and the Department of Health’s WIC Program, this initiative will run from the end of May through October and is available to families and individuals receiving services through the Economic Services Division and WIC. This pilot program is an expansion of Vermont Parks Forever’s Park Access Fund that has been creating a more equitable outdoor experience since 2016.
“Vermont’s state parks are for everyone. This pilot program will strengthen our communities and make it easier for more Vermonters to enjoy the outdoors,” said Sarah Alberghini Winters, Executive Director of Vermont Parks Forever. “We all benefit from time spent in Vermont's beautiful state parks!”
Vermont individuals and families enrolled in Reach Up, 3SquaresVT, Fuel Assistance, General Assistance, Essential Person Program, Summer EBT, and WIC are eligible for free day-use entry to Vermont State Parks in 2025. For more on how to use this pilot program visit: https://www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot
Vermont Parks Forever extends a special thank you to Scott Brown of Hanover, New Hampshire for shepherding this idea, and the following leadership donors for their commitment to this pilot program:
- Anonymous Donor at the Vermont Community Foundation
- The Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation
- The Jim and Judy Brown Family Growth Fund
Contributions are welcome in support of this pilot program and can be made at: www.vermontparksforever.org/give-park-access