To honor those who served, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is set to waive parking fees at state parks this Veterans Day weekend. The initiative will run from tomorrow, November 9, through to Monday, November 11, allowing visitors to freely access the parks. This gesture of gratitude towards veterans and active servicemembers is in parallel with the National Park Service, which also offers fee-free admission to federal parks on the holiday.
A statement obtained by Mass.gov outlines that Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper remarked on the sacrifice and courage of veterans, stating, "Massachusetts has a proud military history, and our state parks provide great opportunities to experience our outdoor spaces. This weekend, we welcome our veterans and servicemembers to enjoy the beautiful lands they helped protect."
Resource-rich state parks play host to a number of historically significant sites relating to Massachusetts' military history. To augment the experience, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is offering dedicated parking spaces for veterans at various parks. DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo highlighted in a statement the department's role in stewarding these important sites, such as Fort Independence and the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower. Arrigo believes that waiving parking fees for Veterans Day is a potent means to acknowledge the military's contribution and encourage visitors to learn more about the historical significance of these landmarks.
Vehicles with disabled veteran license plates, from any state, permanently receive free parking at all DCR-managed locations. For a full list of parks and more information, visit the agency’s website.
