On June 15, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department will launch a new parking pass program at 22 Oklahoma State Parks, which will include Tenkiller State Park. Funds raised from the passes will allow the Oklahoma State Parks system to return park facilities and infrastructure to an acceptable standard and maintain them at that standard. “It is deeply important to all of us to keep Oklahoma State Parks affordable while providing the best possible experience for our visitors,” said Jerry Winchester, executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. “The need to implement this parking pass program was not made lightly, but it was a necessary step to help slow the deferred maintenance trend. We have made great progress in streamlining processes and reducing costs, but we have to also increase our resources in order for our state parks to be of the quality that Oklahomans expect and deserve. “Improving the parks will also better position us to “Improving the parks will also better position us to attract visitors from outside the state, which will bring dollars into the communities surrounding the parks.” The passes will start at $10 for a one-day pass for a single vehicle. Vehicles with an Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal license plate will receive a 20 percent count, making their pass just $8 per vehicle for a single day. Oklahoma residents age 62 and older and their spouses will receive a 100% discount on the pass. Honorably discharged veterans will also receive a 100% discount, and individuals certified by state or federal law as totally disabled and their spouses will receive a 50% discount. Discounts cannot be combined, and individuals' eligibility must be verified by park staff. Three-day, one-week and annual passes will also be available. The annual pass will work for all 22 parks. Its cost will be $75, with a discount rate of $60 available for vehicles with Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal license plates. Buses will be assessed a $25 per day fee regardless of license plate origin. Free parking for one vehicle will be included in lodging and camping reservations at each park. State park golf courses and some concessionaire areas will be exempt from the parking fee, and some restaurants and other concessionaires may offer parking validation. "Our park staff have been making do for many years without adequate funding;' said Oklahoma State Parks Director Kris Marek. "We anticipate that this program will provide the resources they need to make our parks the best they can be. We are excited about the improvements this program will provide and look forward to showing Oklahomans some of what we have in store for them in the coming months:' Oklahoma State Parks has already begun projects associated with the new park improvement effort, including new or improved restaurant facilities at five parks, the acquisition and improvement of additional campsites at Little Sahara State Park, the acquisition of cabins at Fort Cobb State Park, paving improvements at several parks and the improvement and replacement of restroom facilities systemwide. These projects are only the beginning; many other improvements are in the planning/contracting stage.