Missouri State Parks system kicks off celebration for 2017 centennial

The Missouri State Parks system is the envy of most other states.

Saturday will kick off an 18-month celebration of the program's 100th anniversary in April 2017 and will continue throughout 2017.

"This is a really exciting time," said Director Billy Bryan. "Our program is a testament to our state."

When the federal lawmakers were debating whether to enter World War I, the Missouri General Assembly saw past those dark days to "set aside public land for leisure and to remember the Missouri experience," Bryan said. "That's pretty cool."

The main attraction at the 10:30 a.m. kick-off at the state Capitol will be the Missouri State Museum's newest exhibit, highlighting the state park's story, he said.

"We've grown every decade for 100 years; there have been changes, but we've always had growth," Bryan said.

Missouri State Parks' most important feature may be that none of its 88 parks and historic sites have an entry fee, he said.

Another bragging right is the public support, particularly through the sales tax started 30 years ago, which amounts to about $7 per person per year, Bryan said. Missouri was the first state in the nation to pass such a tax.

And Missouri also shines among other state parks systems for its interpreter training and welcoming atmosphere at every location, Bryan said.

Many yet-to-be-revealed events and programs are being planned during the next 18 months, Bryan said.

One popular program has returned - the state parks passport.

"We did it many years ago, and it was super popular," Bryan said.

Visitors to the state historic sites and parks are encouraged to pick up a passport at any location then visit the other 87 and get the passport stamped at each one. At the 88th site, participants may show the park supervisor their completed passport to receive a prize.

Along the way, passport participants will see the diversity state parks have to offer, from roaming bison to French pioneer settlements.

"There's a lot for people to see and do," he said.

The last time the passport program was offered, more than 1,500 completed the challenge.

"Folks who did it enjoyed it," Bryan said. "It's perfect for the centennial."

In addition to reflecting on its successful past, Missouri State Parks also will be looking to its future during the next 18 months, he said.

One planned project is updating a 30-year-old threat study to define what obstacles parks and historic sites may face. The public will be invited to participate.

The 18-month model was borrowed from the National Parks Service, which started its centennial celebration in 2015 with the Find Your Park Campaign, which continues through 2016.

"This is a big deal and we didn't want to limit it to just one year or one day," Bryan said. "We want people to get excited."

The centennial is designed with Missourians in mind, so they won't take these resources for granted, he said.

"This party is Missourians', but everyone is welcome," Bryan said.

Link: mostateparks.com

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