Delaware State Parks 2013 annual pass goes on sale

Delaware State Parks annual passes are on sale now, just in time for holiday shopping. An annual pass to Delaware State Parks is a great bargain for people who love the outdoors or who hope to get in shape or reduce stress in the new year.

Delaware State Parks Marketing Director Dawn Morris said, "For just $27, the recipient, along with a car full of family or friends, can have a year’s worth of fun and exercise in any or all of Delaware’s state parks. Annual passes may be purchased throughout the year, but they make great family gifts and stocking stuffers.”

Vehicles with an annual pass windshield sticker may enter a state park without paying the daily entrance fee. Exceptions are Fort Delaware and Fenwick Island State Beach. Park entrance fees are collected daily from March 1 through Nov. 30.

Season pass fees are $27 for vehicles registered in Delaware and $54 for vehicles registered out of state, and $12 or $27 for resident or nonresident seniors

Annual passes may be purchased at any park office, pass agent or at the Dover office, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.  For online shoppers, this gift can be conveniently purchased at destateparks.com/annual-pass. Season passes are nontransferable; a vehicle registration is not necessary to purchase. More information is available by calling 302-739-9220 or go to destateparks.com/annual-pass.

Because Delaware State Parks are largely self-sustaining, entrance fees are necessary to help cover costs of operations and maintenance. “We thank all who purchase an annual pass for their support of our parks,” says Mary Voshell, chief of Business Services. “Revenue from the sale of the passes helps provide park services such as programs that connect children with nature, maintenance of parks and trails, guarded beaches, park rangers and more.”