State Park Day-Use Passes, Calendars at Holiday Prices

Day-use passes good for 12 months at 26 popular Oregon state parks go on sale today (Dec. 1) for $20, five dollars off their regular price. The passes will be good through Dec. 31, 2009.

The annual day-use pass sale is becoming an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) holiday tradition. "We've been having this sale in December since the year 2000, and the price is still the same," said OPRD Recreation Programs Manager Richard Walkoski. "That alone has to make the pass one of the best gift bargains you can find."

This year, customers buying passes as gifts can add something special to their packages. A 2009 Oregon Sesquicentennial edition of the Oregon State Parks calendar also is on sale for $10. "It's a one-of-a-kind calendar," said OPRD marketing specialist Jennifer McCormick. "It's a calendar that can turn into a souvenir if not a collector's item."

Customers can buy the calendar, the 12-month day-use pass and a 24-month day-use pass through the Oregon State Parks Information Center, 1-800-551-6949. Callers can use either a VISA or a MasterCard credit card. Extra vehicle passes, $5 with a 12-month pass and $10 with a 24-month pass, must be purchased at the same time.

The state park calendar also can be purchased through the Oregon State Parks Trust by calling 503-227-0479, or using an online mail order form available at http://www.oregonstateparkstrust.org/.

Walk-in customers can buy day-use passes at major OPRD offices, Joe's sports and outdoor stores, some state park friends' group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. A list of vendors is posted at www.oregonstateparks.org/dayuse_permit_vendors.php.

OPRD even has something for campers. Gift certificates, redeemable at any state park campground at any time of year, are sold through the information center and major OPRD offices for any dollar amount. The certificates have no expiration date. ###