OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, hosted an interim study Tuesday to explore ways to eliminate parking fees at Oklahoma’s state parks.
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Director Sterling Zearley said two dozen of Oklahoma’s state parks charge fees for day-use visitors, with exceptions for veterans and seniors aged 62 or older.
More than 170,000 parking passes have been sold so this year. The fees generate approximately $2.6 million annually for park maintenance and upgrades, Zearley said.
Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Policy Manager Lauren Ford presented data on Oklahoma’s poor health rankings and how parks, trails and other recreation areas encourage active lifestyles.
“We shouldn't charge residents to access our beautiful state parks, where many people struggle with obesity, heart disease and other health issues,” Standridge said. “These fees curb park use and eliminating them would make nature and wellness accessible.'
A constituent, Dave Spaulding, shared how fees discouraged him from visiting Lake Thunderbird, just five miles from home.
“It’s time to explore alternative funding options for our parks that don’t place the burden on Oklahoma taxpayers,” Standridge said. “There was an idea presented during the study about a partnership between TSET and the Tourism Department to cover residents’ state park fees. I look forward to continuing that discussion moving forward.”