Washington State Parks is celebrating it’s 102nd birthday on March 19 and is sharing the fun by making all state parks free for the day.

With spring beginning Friday it’s time to get back outdoors and into the great parks that Washington State has to offer.

Normally, the fee to use the state parks would be either a $10 day pass or a $30 yearly Discover Pass, purchasable any time or with your tabs.

“These free days are great way for people to explore a new park or return to an old favorite,” said Commission Chair Pat Lantz of Gig Harbor. “Once people realize just what they have in Washington State parks, we hope they consider buying a Discover Pass. Revenues from the pass are so important; they help keep our parks open and accessible.”

Locally, Saint Edward’s Park in Kenmore is one of the 100 parks, trails and recreational sites across the state managed by the Washington State Parks department.

Saint Ed’s offers the citizens of Northshore area, and the state, a 316-acre forested playground with 3,000 feet of Lake Washington waterfront.

Around the 1930’s the Seattle Catholic Archdiocese purchased the property and created a seminary school and boy’s school, along with a grand chapel currently used by Bastyr University.

While the weather may not be great tomorrow – with a forecast from NOAA being cloudy with a 20-percent chance of rain and temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees – but March 19 will be a great opportunity to get out and enjoy a little local outdoors.

March 19 is not the only free day for the Washington State Parks, head over to many of their sites on these days too for a little free outdoors.

April 4 – A springtime free Saturday

April 22 – Earth Day

May 10 – A springtime free Sunday

June 6 – National Trails Day

June 13 – National Get Outdoors Day

Aug. 25 – National Park Service’s 99th birthday

Sept. 26 – National Public Lands Day

Nov. 11 – Veterans Day