Public Libraries Around Pass Area Offering Free State Parks Passes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Looking for some healthy, free fun? The Riverside County Library System is currently handing out free passes to more than 200 California state parks, lakes, beaches and monuments.

Through a partnership with California State Parks and the California State Library, any Riverside County resident who holds an active RCLS card in good standing can borrow a park pass. The passes can be checked out for two weeks and are available from every branch, including the library connect mobile resource vans.

There are several public libraries near Banning and Beaumont that are part of the Riverside County Library System. Find them here.

The passes will be checked out on a first-come, first-serve basis and cannot be renewed or placed on hold, according to a county news release.

“By providing the communities of Riverside County with free park passes, RCLS hopes to remove economic barriers, which may prevent families and individuals [from] enjoying the wonderful outdoors California has to offer,” said Jon Solomon, director of RCLS.

The passes allow entry for one passenger vehicle with nine people or fewer, or one highway licensed motorcycle, at participating state park units.

“We firmly believe every Californian should have access to the beauty and benefits of parks, and we know that cost can be a barrier to visiting. We're excited that local branch libraries will now be a gateway to state parks," said Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation Rachel Norton.

Find more information on the RCLS website at www.rivlib.net. Find the list of participating state parks at Find a Park (ca.gov).

RCLS is a division of the Office of Economic Development. Contact RCLS at 951-369-3003 or visit www.rivlib.net for more information.