State Park offers free admission
AUGUSTA — Maine residents will be recognized this coming Sunday, Father’s Day, for their continued support of Maine state parks and historic sites with a free-admission day at all 48 state-owned and -operated locales, according to Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) officials, under the Maine Department of Conservation.
“From birding at Aroostook State Park to baking bread in the Civil War-vintage oven at Fort Knox to welcoming summer at Roque Bluffs among the rugosa roses, it will be a great day to take Dad out for an outing,” said Commissioner Bill Beardsley of the Maine Department of Conservation.
“This is a great way to start the summer season with a free trip to your favorite state park or historic site,” Will Harris, BPL director, said. “We hope to see many Mainers out enjoying their Father’s Day with us.”
The details of the free parks admission are: Maine Residents Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, June 19; all vehicles bearing Maine license plates will be allowed free entrance to Maine state parks and historic sites. No rain date will be available. The open admission does not apply to the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox State Historic Site will be free that day.
“We are looking forward to warm, sunny weather and strong attendance again this year,” Harris said.
Among the BPL-sponsored activities taking place this weekend is the third annual Aroostook State Park Birding Festival, scheduled for 5 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 18, at the park in Presque Isle. The festival is expected to attract top birders and naturalists from all over the state to provide a family-friendly activity for birders of all abilities, according to Park Manager Scott Thompson.
The event will offer guided bird walks, live birds of prey presentations, birding displays, boat rides and children’s activities — all highlighting the unique natural resources of Aroostook State Park as a birding locale. Admission to the park and event is: $2 for adults, $1 for children 5-11, seniors and children under 5, free. For more information about the festival, contact Thompson at: 768-8341, or about Maine state parks and historic sites, visit: www.parksandlands.com.
