Colorado is pushing the envelope when it comes to making outdoor recreation accessible. As reported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a new initiative is rolling out a $14 Centennial State Park Pass, specifically aimed at Coloradans whose financial situations might otherwise bar them from enjoying the state's natural treasures. This pass offers year-round access to all the state parks, a boon for outdoor enthusiasts strapped for cash.
The deal is even sweeter when you note the pass's validity spans 13 months, a month more than the standard annual pass. Eligibility for this pass extends to residents enrolled in various state and federal aid programs like TANF, SNAP, and WIC. Plus, any Colorado resident with a certain line item on their U.S. Federal Tax form or a signed affidavit indicating no requirement to file taxes also qualifies for a pass. It's a simple solution for bringing more people into a fold too often dictated by the thickness of a wallet.
To increase awareness and participation, CPW is making the application process for the Centennial State Park Pass as pain-free as possible. Whether Coloradans choose to download the application or walk into any local CPW office, the doors are swinging open. For extra assistance, a call center is at the ready on weekdays to lend an ear or provide clarification on the application process. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, "Spending time outside is essential for our physical, mental and emotional health."
Heather Disney Dugan, CPW Deputy Director, encapsulates the ethos behind the pass, "We want to inspire all Coloradans to explore our state parks and enjoy the colorful landscapes that Colorado provides us. These resources belong to every single Coloradan," as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Centennial State Park Pass is part of a greater push, including the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, to entice residents away from their screens and into the great outdoors, a shift that CPW hopes will pay dividends in public health and happiness.
