by Jaime Rodriguez, RDPFS Intern
The National Park Service now offers the “National Park Access Pass” as part of their America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. This lifetime pass is available at no cost to any United States citizen or permanent resident who has a medically diagnosed, permanent disability that severely limits one or more of their major life activities. With the pass, visitors can go to more than 2,000 recreation sites across the country, and get a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees, such as boat launching, camping, guided tours, and swimming. To obtain the Access Pass you may apply in person at specific federal recreation sites or online. You will need a copy of your ID and documentation of permanent disability. If applying on behalf of someone else, the ID must be in that person’s name. And, although the pass is free, a $10 processing fee must be paid at the time of application. Applications are generally processed within five business days of receipt, and a pass with the pass owner’s name pre-printed on it will be mailed to the applicant. For more information, you may check out the National Park Access Pass page on the National Park Service website, here. If you are interested in applying for a “National Park Access Pass,” you may apply online, here. To apply in person, go to any of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands on the “Federal Recreation Areas Where Interagency Passes Are Issued” list, here.
