As a small token of appreciation for the freedoms afforded to all Americans, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department will be honoring all veterans with Military Service Appreciation Day on Monday, November 11.
In 2005, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors issued a formal proclamation resolving that each Veterans Day from that point forward would be observed as Military Service Appreciation Day at all Maricopa County Parks. All active and non-active military personnel are encouraged to visit any of the county’s eleven parks and enjoy affordable recreation. The $7 per vehicle day-use entry fee will be waived for military personnel.
“The sacrifice you make to serve our country and the time away from family and friends can never be repaid. At Maricopa County, we want to provide a small token of appreciation by providing free park entrance for those who are currently or have served for Military Service Appreciation Day,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “We invite you to visit our parks, relax, and take in the beauty Maricopa County has to offer. Thank you for your service and welcome!”
“It’s such a privilege to serve military families on and surrounding Luke Air Force Base,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4. “We are always looking for ways to show our gratitude to the sacrifices military families have made, and we are honored to be able to make this small gesture of providing free parks entrance on Military Service Appreciation Day.”
“On November 11, I think of all of the veterans I’ve known throughout my lifetime including many relatives, and how no matter how much you want to tell them you appreciate their sacrifices, it’s often difficult to put it into words, said Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1. “I hope this gesture serves as a small way to show that honor for those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf.”
“We can never repay the sacrifices our veterans have made for us, but we can give this small token of appreciation as part of a larger county commitment to our veterans,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2. “Military Service Appreciation Day is just one part of the county’s support for veterans.”
“Maricopa County provides services to veterans every day from housing and job connections to Veterans Court all year,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5. “But an additional gesture like a thank you to a veteran you meet, or a free day at our parks can also show military personnel our appreciation.”
“In addition to waiving the day-use entry on Veteran’s Day, we also offer a significant discount on our annual pass for veterans with any level of a service-connected disability,” added R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director and Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commander.
At approximately 120,000 acres, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the United States. The parks are located throughout the County and are all within a 45-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. For information about activities at a County park near you, call (602) 506-2930 or visit www.maricopacountyparks.net/.