February 19, 2008

Dear Recreation Professionals:

Before you know it, spring will be creeping in with the smell of flowers and the sound of birds to awaken us from our winter nap. This is also the time to let you know about the New Hampshire State Parks Bus Pass Program.

The Bus Pass Program is designed to offer community recreation programs, non-profit youth programs, and state agency youth programs with recreational opportunities in New Hampshire state parks during the summer months.

Please review the outline describing program policies, as well as the options and price list of the passes that are available. Pass applications will be accepted starting April 1, 2008, and can be found here online. Applications received prior to that date will be returned.  Application forms must be completed and mailed, with payment, to the NH Division of Parks & Recreation, PO Box 1856, Concord, NH  03302-1856.  Applications will not be accepted after June 13, 2008.

One important policy to remember is that, two weeks prior to the date you plan on visiting, you must contact the park manager of the park you want to visit.  This is to ensure that space is available at that park on that date.  If you come to the park with no prior reservation, your group can be denied access to the park.  Reservations may also be made prior to park openings.  We encourage organizations to submit a letter of interest to the appropriate regional manager. Contact information for all regional and park managers is available here.  Your reservation is pending confirmation from the park manager once parks open.

When submitting your application, you may request to receive a State Parks brochure, which provides further details about our state parks to help you plan your visits.

I look forward to working with you throughout the summer, and hope that your group takes advantage of this great recreational opportunity.  If you have any questions about the program, please contact me or Dee Dee Hanson at 603-271-3556.

Sincerely,

Shari A. Colby
New Hampshire State Parks
Bus Program Coordinator