All New York State veterans to receive free state park entry

Gillian Friebis
·2 min read

NEW YORK STATE (WETM) — New York State is expanding its Lifetime Liberty Pass Program to grant all New York veterans and Gold Star Families free access to state parks and other recreational areas.

Starting on Monday, April 1, the Lifetime Liberty Pass Program will allow New York State residents who are veterans or lost their parent, spouse, or child in the line of duty to park their vehicles at sites managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for free. Up until this point, the Lifetime Liberty Passes only provided discounted access to these sites to veterans who became at least 40% disabled while serving.

“Our veterans have made endless sacrifices and New York is always looking for ways we can say thank you for keeping our country safe,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Nature heals and with the expansion of our Lifetime Liberty Pass Program, we’re ensuring veterans and their families can easily visit our world-class destinations here in New York.”

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This program will now give the following benefits:

  • Free vehicle parking at New York State Parks and DEC-operated campgrounds, day use areas, boat launch sites, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves

  • No greens fees at State Park-operated golf courses

  • No swimming pool entrance fees at State Park-operated pools

  • Discounted campsite and cabin rentals at State Park and DEC-operated campgrounds

Gold Star Family Members will receive the program’s benefits when they present a Lifetime Liberty Pass card to employees at staffed parks. Lifetime Liberty Pass applications will be available on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation’s website starting on April 1. Veterans who have a veteran status designation on their New York State DMV ID can present their ID to employees and don’t need to apply for a card.

More information about the Lifetime Liberty Pass Program, including excluded marinas and golf courses, can be found on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation’s website.

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