San Rafael, CA – A new County of Marin program gives library card holders free entry into some of the County’s most popular recreational areas, providing a new chance to enjoy Marin County Parks facilities.
Stafford Lake Park outside of Novato is one of places that library card holders can visit for free through the new library parks pass program.
The directors of the Marin County Free Library (MCFL) and Marin County Parks have announced a collaboration that will help library patrons visit parks that they might not normally visit because of entrance fees. One-week parks passes are now available for checkout at all of 10 MCFL branches and on its traveling Bookmobile.
MCFL Director Sara Jones has been a key influencer during the County’s emphasis on equity over the past few years. MCFL and Marin County Parks are just two County departments participating in new and impactful equity initiatives. The program is intended for residents who consider park fees as a barrier to visitation, but it’s also to allow anyone to try out a park for the first time without having to pay.
“We hope that by providing free access to local parks for library cardholders, more people will be able to explore and enjoy all the benefits of being outdoors in this beautiful place we call home,” Jones said.
Among the locations included in the program are McNears Beach near San Rafael, Paradise Beach near Tiburon, Miller boat launch on Tomales Bay, Stafford Lake Park near Novato, and Black Point boat launch.
The passes hang from a rear-view mirror of a vehicle and can be checked out at the following MCFL branches: Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Fairfax, Inverness, Marin City, Novato, Point Reyes, South Novato, Stinson Beach, and the mobile Bookmobile that visits other areas of Marin. The passes can be placed on hold as well.
Parks Director Max Korten said the County continues to look for ways to help every Marin resident obtain greater access to enjoy the parks and open spaces that make Marin a wonderful place to work and live.
“While park fees are important for supporting ongoing maintenance, we believe that no one should be turned away from one of our parks simply because they cannot afford the entrance fee,” Korten said. “We encourage new visitors to bring family and friends to one of our facilities and have a great day.”