Rec Guides available; parks launch national initiative

Indiana DNR Release:

Your free guide to Indiana's best values in outdoor recreation is available now, all across the state.

You can find the Department of Natural Resources 2010 Indiana Recreation Guide at various retail outlets and, of course, at state parks, reservoirs and other DNR properties, and at dnr.IN.gov.

Release of the guide coincides with the launch of a nationwide effort to promote state parks. Featured in a Wall Street Journal article on Feb. 16, America’s State Parks alliance (americasstateparks.com), seeks to mobilize and educate both the public and policy makers on the positive impact state parks have on public health and local economies. The effort was created by the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD, naspd.org). America’s State Parks will work collaboratively with each state to share resources, best practices and engage in national partnerships with corporations for stewardship programs.

According to the NASPD, more than 725 million state park visits last year provided a collective $20 billion economic impact to communities surrounding 6,000 state park units nationwide.

Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana DNR's Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, and an NASPD member, said the new collaborative effort can only bolster the already healthy heritage of Indiana’s 24 state parks.

“One of our goals over the years has been to provide an Indiana state park within an hour of every Indiana resident, with the opening of Prophetstown in 2004, we achieved that goal,” Bortner said. “Hoosiers love our state parks and our nine reservoirs, too, and they support them by volunteering, joining us for events, and using our facilities year round for family gatherings, all kinds of outdoor recreation, exercise and relaxation.”

Use of Indiana's state parks has boomed over the last few years. Gate revenue increased 8 percent from 2008 to 2009. Total campground use increased 10.4 percent, and total operating receipts increased almost 7 percent during the same period.

Annual park passes can be purchased in person at the gatehouse or offices of state park and reservoir properties during business hours, at the Indiana Government Center South in Indianapolis, or at innsgifts.com. Indiana resident passes are $36 or $18 for individuals 65 years old or older. Annual passes for vehicles with out-of-state license plates are $46. Normal daily gate fees for residents at most properties are $4 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 per vehicle on weekends or holidays. Prices for the passes and for the daily entry fees have remained the same since 2006. For more information on Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs, see stateparks.IN.gov.