It will soon be easier for veterans and Gold Star Families to enjoy parks and historic sites in the Empire State.
Beginning Monday, New York State Veterans and Gold Star Families will get free access to state parks, campgrounds, historic sites, and other recreation areas through the Lifetime Liberty Pass Program. Benefits of the pass also include free greens fees at state park-operated gold courses, free entry to swimming pools operated by state parks, and discounted campsite and cabin rentals at state park and DEC-operated campgrounds.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “We are incredibly grateful to our Veterans for their dedication and service and are excited to provide Veteran communities more opportunities to better connect with state parks, historic sites and recreation areas and facilitate a lifelong love of the outdoors.”
Back in November, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation expanding the program, meaning a disability rating is no longer required.
“Our veterans have made endless sacrifices and New York is always looking for ways we can say thank you for keeping our country safe,” Governor Hochul said. “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.”
To access these benefits, veterans will need to present a NYS DMV-issued ID with veteran status designation to site employees, or they can apply for a free Lifetime Liberty Pass. More information on the program can be found at the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation’s website.
