Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Free Parking at State Parks in Honor of Veterans Day

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will waive parking fees for all visitors at state parks across the Commonwealth between Friday, November 10 and Sunday, November 12, in honor of Veterans Day. The fee waiver is consistent with a National Park Service initiative that provides free admission to federal parks, nationwide, on Veterans Day.  

“Our state parks provide opportunities for families to experience our beautiful outdoor spaces while learning about the important role Massachusetts has played in our country’s military history,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “As a way to honor our veterans and active servicemembers’ commitment to our country on Veterans Day, the Healey-Driscoll Administration will waive parking fees for all visitors to our state parks this weekend.” 

“As we approach Veterans Day, we are proud to stand alongside the Department of Conservation and Recreation in their initiative to waive parking fees at DCR parks for the weekend. This thoughtful gesture not only allows us to enjoy the natural beauty of our parks but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to our nation's veterans,” said Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “Their service and sacrifices continue to inspire us all, and this gesture is a small way to express our profound gratitude for their dedication to our country. We wish everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day!” 

Massachusetts has a rich military history, and the state park system is home to a number of veterans’ memorials, military forts, and other historically important sites. These locations include Fort Independence at Castle Island in the City of Boston, which was used to fortify the area’s coast; Fort Phoenix in the Town of Fairhaven, which was utilized during the American Revolution; the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower located at the summit of Mount Greylock in the Town of Adams, which is one of the 100 World War I Centennial Memorials in the nation; and hundreds of roadways, trails, markers, pools, skating rinks, and parks named after Massachusetts veterans or military campaigns. While at DCR parks, visitors can participate in interpretive programming, self-guided walks, and hikes within. 

“DCR is committed to preserving our cultural resources, many of which commemorate important military history, that have helped to shape our natural landscapes and contributed to the fabric of our state,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Waiving parking fees for Veterans Day is a small way we can honor the service and sacrifices of former and current military members and encourage visitors to experience these important sites.” 

Additionally, DCR has canceled street sweeping for Friday, November 10 and will waive street parking fees on DCR roadways for the weekend. Vehicles with disabled veterans license plates from all states receive free parking year-round at all DCR parks. To find a full list of DCR managed state parks, visit the agency’s website. 

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