Veterans with all levels of disabilities will be able to get into state parks free, Sand Hollow Reservoir, Washington County, Utah, unspecified date | Photo provided by Utah State Parks, Utah Division of Natural Resources, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Making the calming nature of state parks more available to veterans in Utah is on its way to the Governor’s desk to sign House Bill 155 into law. The legislation expands the State Parks Disabilities Honor Pass to all Utah veterans with any level of disability.

All honorably discharged Utah veterans can visit state parks for free. A resident veteran with any percentage of a disability rating from the United States Veterans Benefits Administration is eligible. According to the Utah State Parks website, veterans need to provide a current summary of benefits. The Department of Veteran Affairs issues this letter for veterans to obtain the Honor Pass at select locations.

“The thing with Senator Michael K. McKell and Representative Mike Shultz wanting to introduce this bill is because of how beautiful Utah’s landscape is, and to encourage tranquility and healing among veterans that have served our country,” Cade Bloomer, assistant to Senator McKell, said. “We want to provide them an area where it’s free to go there. And they don’t ever have to worry about not feeling welcome. We want them to feel like Utah’s their home. And that’s what we’re striving for within this bill.”

 The money for the bill will come from Utah’s General Fund and go to the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs as an ongoing appropriation of $315,000. The program begins on July 1, 2022, according to McKell.

“If veterans were willing to risk their lives and fight for our country, this is something we can do to show that we are appreciative of what they did for us,” McKell said.

There are 43 state parks in Utah. Keeping the parks fun and exciting options for all patrons is essential, especially for veterans. He said that many still have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or struggle to get back into civilian life.

According to the Utah State Park website, the Honor Pass is valid for day use admittance to all state parks for the qualified veteran and up to seven guests in the same private vehicle. These passes are good until the end of the calendar year they were issued. At that time, qualified veterans will need to bring updated documentation to receive a pass once again.

Honor Passes are only good when in possession of the qualified veteran to whom they were issued and are non-transferable.

They are not valid at the “This is the Place” Heritage Park. The Honor Pass is also not valid for special fees within state parks, including camping charges, golf greens fees, and special program costs, etc.

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