Enjoy Oregon State Parks For Free on Saturday

The Oregon State Legislature established Oregon State Parks Day in 1997 to focus public attention on the heritage, use, development and funding of Oregon's state park system.

Image Courtesy: State of Oregon

(SALEM) - "GO PLAY!" ... in a state park, for free.

The invitation from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is good for the ninth annual State Parks Day on Saturday at all of its day-use areas, and for camping in its full hookup (sewer, electricity and water), electrical hookup (electricity and water) and tent sites.

In recognition of National Trail's Day on the same date Governor Kulongoski will help observe the day by cutting the ribbon on the newest section of Willamette River Water Tail at 10:00 AM in a public ceremony at Marshall Island south of Junction City.

The public is invited to bring canoes and kayaks to paddle an eight-mike segment of the water trail from Marshall Island to Harrisburg where a barbecue lunch is scheduled at noon.

"OPRD Director Tim Wood said the agency uses State Parks Day to thank past state park visitors and to entice others to "see for themselves why state parks are rewarding places to visit." Wood said, "The day gives our staff a way to show appreciation and to showcase our parks."

""GO PLAY!" is the theme of this year's celebration, which includes free tours of lighthouses and other historic places as well as special guided hikes and other trail activities.

South Beach State Park, two miles south of Newport, will dedicate its new interpretive boardwalk to the ocean beach.

A 10:30 AM ceremony followed by a hot dog barbecue will celebrate the official opening of the structure, which was built by staff and volunteers to meet ADA standards.

The boardwalk allows visitors of all abilities to cross the park's dunes to a viewpoint overlooking the beach and a panoramic scene taking in two lighthouses, the Yaquina Bay entrance and bridge, and miles of shoreline.

A complete listing of State Parks Day and Oregon Trails Day activities is online at www.oregonstateparks.org. "GO PLAY!" is also the theme of a new OPRD website: www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/GoPlay

The new site is devoted exclusively to state park day-use offerings.