Veterans will be granted free access to all Alabama’s state parks beginning Nov. 1 as part of the Parks for Patriots program.

The program provides veterans with free admission to any state park, park facility or day use area that charges an entrance fee, including boat ramps and the Gulf State Park pier.

“Our parks and public lands are places for reflection and serenity, and they stand as a tribute to those who have served our great nation,” said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks director. “For years we have offered free state park admission to veterans on Veterans Day. Expanding that access year-round is the least we can do for those who have made our freedom possible.”

Parks for Patriots also includes a voluntary component that allows park visitors to provide free admission for veterans through sponsorship contributions. Contributions to the program will be accepted for any dollar amount and will be used only to fund free entry for veterans from any branch of the U.S. military.

There are three ways that you can make a sponsorship contribution to the Parks for Patriots program:

• Online by visiting alapark.com;

• Cash only sponsorships can be made at any manned park gate; and

• Cash or credit card sponsorships can be made at most point-of-sale cash registers in park offices, restaurants, camp stores and golf shops.

Contribution will be utilized at the park in which it was made. For those making contributions online, the sponsorship can be assigned to the park of your choice.

The Parks for Patriots program applies to entry fees only. Park concessions and other fee-based outdoor adventures within the parks are not covered by the new program.

For more information, visit www.alapark.com/Parks-for-Patriots-Veterans-Program.