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

Boston — In honor of Veterans Day, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will once again waive parking fees for all visitors to state parks from Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11. This initiative aligns with the National Park Service’s annual Veterans Day tradition of offering free admission for everyone to federal parks nationwide. In addition to waiving parking fees, DCR has installed designated parking spaces, reserved for veterans, at several parks across the state. 

"The Healey-Driscoll Administration is waiving parking fees at state parks to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and active servicemembers. This initiative recognizes the courage and dedication of those who have served and continue to serve,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Massachusetts has a proud military history, and our state parks provide great opportunities to experience our outdoor spaces. This weekend, we welcome our veterans and servicemembers to enjoy the beautiful lands they helped protect.” 

“We are proud that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is continuing the initiative to waive parking fees at DCR parks for the weekend in honor of Veterans Day, said Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “The service and sacrifices of our veterans and service members inspires us all, and offering free parking is a small gesture to express our profound gratitude for their dedication to our country. We wish everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day!”   

“DCR is the steward of so many of our state’s cultural resources, many of which commemorate the important role Massachusetts has played in our country’s military history,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Waiving parking fees for Veterans Day is a small way to recognize the service and sacrifices of current and former military members and encourage visitors to experience these important sites and learn about their importance.”

DCR is responsible for preserving and promoting cultural resources across the state, including Massachusetts’ rich military history. The state park system is home to veterans’ memorials, military forts, and other historically significant 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 veterans or military campaigns from Massachusetts. While at these sites, visitors can participate in interpretive programming to learn about their history and construction or take in these culturally significant spaces on a self-guided walk or hike. 

DCR has suspend street parking fees on DCR roadways for Saturday, November 9. Vehicles with disabled veteran license plates from any state are eligible for free parking year-round at all DCR parks. To find a complete list of DCR-managed parks and more information, visit the agency’s website. 

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