Florida State Parks Announces Round Two of 'Go Play Weekday'

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service is kicking off the second in a series of Go Play Weekday promotions today. Monday through Thursday, throughout February and March, guests to seven selected state parks in northeast and central Florida will pay just 75¢ day-use admission for a car load of up to eight people.

"Go Play Weekday is a great opportunity for park goers to join the millions of visitors who have experienced the magnificence of Florida's white sandy beaches, vast open prairies, cultural sites and crystal clear springs," said DEP Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation Bob Ballard. "Whether your students are out of school for the day, or you are simply looking for a daytime outing, Florida State Parks offer countless family friendly activities you can't beat for 75¢."

Go Play Weekday allows residents and visitors to explore featured parks without the crowds, and to celebrate Florida State Parks 75^th Anniversary for a 'fun sized' price. The price is right for budget watchers, home schoolers and anyone ready for some outdoor recreation during a less busy time.

Northeast and central Florida are the second areas to be highlighted in the Go Play Weekday promotion, which kicked off in the Panhandle last month. The seven selected parks offer opportunities to learn about Florida's history and culture, camp, hike, paddle or ride with a friend along equestrian trails; and several featured parks offer camping and cabin rentals where guests can enjoy campfires and fireplaces.

Parks offering entrance for 75¢ beginning Monday, February 1, 2010, through Wednesday, March 31, 2010, include:

• Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, Keystone Heights
• Madison Blue Springs State Park, Lee
• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy
• Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
• O'Leno State Park, High Springs
• Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, White Springs

How it works: Mention Go Play Weekday at the ranger station to get the special price. If the park has an honor box, just write Go Play Weekday on the envelope and put in 75¢ instead of the full fee.

Promotions will change throughout the year, so check for updates on the Florida State Parks Web site at www.FloridaStateParks.org or follow state parks on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FLStateParks.

Created in 1935 by the Florida Legislature, Florida State Parks has grown from eight to 160 parks over the last 75 years. Today, the Florida Park Service manages more than 700,000 acres of Florida's natural environment, including 100 miles of beaches, eight National Historic Landmarks and 39 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Florida State Parks has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association as the nation's first and only two-time Gold Medal winner for the nation's best park service.

Learn more about the history of Florida's state parks at www.FloridaStateParks.org/history. For more information, go to the Go Play Weekday promotion at www.FloridaStateParks.org/twitter_goplay.pdf.