Chattahoochee Recreation Area To Host Naturalization Ceremony

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area will host its second annual naturalization ceremony with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 70 new citizens will take the oath of citizenship on Hewlett Field at Island Ford, which sits at 1978 Island Ford Parkway in Sandy Springs.

“What better place to be sworn in as a new citizen of the United States than in one of our incredible national parks?” asked Bill Cox, CRNRA Superintendent. “A national system of parks was a uniquely American idea with the thought that the significant places set aside in this country are for all the citizens to enjoy and experience. It is my hope that by becoming United States citizens in a national park, you will hold that connection dear to you and make an effort to visit, explore and learn about as many of the parks in the system as possible.”

In addition to hosting the naturalization ceremony, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area will join all 401 national parks in waiving entry fees. The usual $3 entry fee will not be collected from visitors at any of the park’s picnic areas or boat ramps on Saturday. 

The $35 CRNRA annual passes will still be available for sale at the Island Ford Visitor Center and online, as will the $80 nationwide annual pass that provides entrance to all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and many other Federal lands. This pass is offered free to all active duty military members and their dependents.