Opening gates to financial assistance for Vt. State Parks visitors

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Grant applications are open to help more Vermonters access state parks.

The nonprofit Vermont Parks Forever created the Park Access Fund Grant in 2016. They offer free park visits to organizations across the state serving people with disabilities, children in foster care and others who may not otherwise be able to access the parks. The goal of Vermont Parks Forever is to break down barriers and help more people experience the healing powers of the outdoors.

“If you haven’t had a chance to experience this yet, there’s this whole mental health, physical health and that ability to make it all better that you can get from a trip to the park,” said Sarah Alberghini Winters, the executive director of Vermont Parks Forever.

VPF is offering more than 10,000 free days in the parks. Applications close on April 5.