7/1/2008 2008 Commemorates 100 Years of State Parks in Idaho

IDAHO (July 1, 2008) - Idaho celebrates the centennial of its first state park, Heyburn State Park located in Plummer, Idaho this year. To commemorate the occasion, The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has planned statewide programs and events with special celebrations at every Idaho State Park on Saturday, July 12, 2008.

Every Idaho State Park will offer free day-use access and birthday cake on July 12. Unique events have been organized throughout the state park system, with the largest celebration taking place at Heyburn State Park.

More than just a year-long celebration, the 100th anniversary is a chance to explore the past, present and future of our great state park system.

"During this anniversary year, we want to increase the public's awareness of our state parks and encourage everyone to support the special places that preserve our state's heritage," said Robert Meinen, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. "The doors to our state parks are open. Come out and help us celebrate."

The vision of the Idaho State Parks Centennial is to celebrate the rich legacy of Idaho’s State Park system and to engage the public by providing a myriad of opportunities to come together, to learn and to appreciate each park’s magnificent heritage. Through historical, cultural, educational, and community based events and activities, the multi-year celebration will encourage all to cherish Idaho’s history through state parks, celebrating our past, embracing the present and preparing for the future.

Idaho has 30 beautiful state parks and recreational trail ways that service over 2.5 million visitors annually. Both campers and day-use customers alike choose Idaho’s State Parks for the experiences that the parks promote and the benefits that they have to offer.

Today the diverse parks system encompasses more than 50,000 acres. In addition, the Department manages recreation registration, safety and education programs statewide.

For the latest information on centennial celebration special events, or to learn more about Idaho’s State Parks and Recreation Programs, visit: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.