More people will have access to Vermont's state parks this summer thanks Vermont Parks Forever, the nonprofit for Vermont's state parks. The organization gifted 5,000 free days to 21 organizations in Vermont to increase access to parks for underserved populations.
“The Park Access Fund breaks down barriers for Vermonters who otherwise might not have the chance to experience all that Vermont State Parks have to offer," said Sarah Alberghini Winters, Vermont Parks Forever’s executive director, in a press release. "The Fund helps foster families, youth programs, front-line workers, those with developmental disabilities, BIPOC communities, new Americans, mental health clients, and those with limited mobility, among others, to enjoy all the benefits that come with time spent in the parks.”
Chittenden County organizations that will receive free days include the Howard Center, King Street Center, the Sarah Holbrook Community Center, Spectrum Youth and Family Services and Vermont Professionals of Color Network.
Vermont Parks Forever has been around since 2013 and has granted $50,000 in free park entry fees to increase equity in park access since 2016.
If your organization or an organization you know serves people who have barriers to accessing the state parks, fill out an application for a Parks Access Grant here: https://vermontparksforever.org/park-access-fund/.
