EDGERTON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced a pilot program to help people access Wisconsin’s state parks. It all starts with a library card.
The program, which started on Nov. 1, allows library card holders TO check out a pass from participating libraries.
The passes will be valid for free admission for one vehicle at any state park, forest or recreation area where admission is required. Passes are available to 1,000 library card holders at 20 libraries across Wisconsin.
One of those participating libraries is the Edgerton Public Library. Library Director Kirsten Almo said some of the best things for your health include reading books and spending time outdoors.
“We’re always looking for ways we can support healthy activities and healthy lifestyles,” said Alom. “It’s a great fit.”
“The DNR is continually looking for innovative opportunities to bring more people to state parks and forests and to ensure everyone in Wisconsin has access to our incredible natural resources,” said Steve Schmelzer, Director of the Wisconsin State Park System. “By partnering with Wisconsin’s library system, we can reach households who may not be as familiar with the wide array of opportunities Wisconsin’s state parks and forests have to offer.”
The pilot program, Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library, is a collaborative effort between the DNR, Wisconsin Library Association’s Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Nicolet Federated Library System and Southwest Wisconsin Library System underwrote the cost of the day passes.
“We are proud to work with our partner organizations to develop and pilot this program with our public library members,” said Laura Sauser, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Library Association. “This program is another wonderful example of the role Wisconsin’s public libraries can play in connecting urban and rural community members with resources for both learning and enjoyment both in and outside the library building.”
Along with the day pass, the cardholders will receive an informational kit of state park system materials and maps, a Wisconsin Explorer Program book, stickers, and accessibility information. The goal of the program is to expand access to the Wisconsin state park system to new park visitors.
“I think a lot of us get into the habit of going to the same places and doing the same activities on the weekend and are maybe missing some real treasures in our community,” said Almo.
Each of the 20 libraries is receiving 50-day passes available for one-time use. Libraries were chosen based on economic and social variables.
Though the pilot program is planned to end on March 1, 2023, the DNR plans to continue the program in 2023 based on participant feedback and funding.
Each pass includes a survey link so the DNR can gather information about who used the passes and how they enjoyed their park experience. Participants who complete the survey after using the pass will be eligible to win one of ten 2023 annual state park and forest vehicle admission stickers paid for by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.
For information about the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks program, read more here.
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