Chattahoochee Recreation Area Celebrates Birthday With Free Parking

Staff Report

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area will celebrate the 98th birthday of the National Park Service by waiving its normal parking fee of $3 on Monday, Aug. 25.

“Birthdays are a time to celebrate and we want everyone to join the party,” said Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Superintendent Bill Cox. “National parks belong to all Americans and offer something for everyone. So come visit your nearest national park site and wander a trail, recreate on the river, take in the scenery, and enjoy being out in nature.”

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first national park. There were 37 national parks in the United States when President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916.

Today, there are 401 national parks throughout the country and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area was established in 1978 to preserve the Chattahoochee River watershed and all its resources. Last year, more than 3,039,894 park visitors enjoyed the site and added $123,574,900 to the local economy and supported 1,723 area jobs.

(Credit: Patch file)