RBC I Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education and Colorado State Library, announced Tuesday the expansion of the Check Out Colorado State Parks program to 287 libraries statewide.
Check Out Colorado State Parks Program is an initiative offering residents the ability to check out a hang-tag park pass from their local library for entrance into any or all of Colorado’s 42 state parks.
“An adventure backpack, filled with park information and educational activities goes with the pass,” said Bob Randall, Department of Natural Resources executive director.
The program provided each participating library with two park passes and two adventure backpacks. The pass and backpack can be checked out for up to seven days.
“We encourage all Coloradans to explore and learn through their libraries,” said Colorado State Library Development Director Sharon Morris. “This pass and backpack program gives residents the opportunity to literally “check out Colorado State Parks.”
The success of the pilot partnership and now the expansion of the program showcases Colorado’s quality state parks system and improves accessibility, goals common to both CPW and the Colorado State Library.
Based on annual visits of participating libraries, the goal is within reach.
The estimated exposure, based on annual visits to the participating libraries, exceeds 34 million visitors annually.