New York Giving Free Park Passes to Fourth Graders' Families

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state is making free state park passes available to fourth graders and their families as part of an effort to encourage kids to enjoy the state's outdoors.

The passes are available on the New York State Parks website, nysparks.com.

The passes are good for the students and those in their families' vehicles. They can also be used at state historic sites for free tours for a student and up to three adults.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the passes should encourage young New Yorkers to explore the state's natural beauty and become good stewards of the environment.

The state is also setting aside $500,000 this year to help schools arrange field trips to state parks, nature centers and historic sites.

(Story by: The Associated Press)