PRATT, Kan. -(Ammoland.com)- The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has a Black Friday deal that will give your wallet and your mind a rest. How does free sound? This Black Friday, take “free” to a whole new level and free yourself from the shopping chaos by enjoying a Free Park Entrance Day at any Kansas state park on Nov. 24.
KDWPT state park staff, in partnership with REI, invite you to “OptOutside” and spend this Black Friday outdoors, hiking, biking, or just relaxing at a Kansas state park.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “But wouldn’t a retail company like REI want people shopping in their stores on Black Friday?” The answer is no, quite the opposite.
REI is closing on Black Friday to encourage everyone to spend the time outdoors instead. KDWPT offices will be closed that day and many staff will also be heading outdoors.
Be a part of this movement by posting a picture of you and your family at one of the 26 Kansas state parks on Black Friday to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #myksstatepark and #optoutside and be entered into a drawing for a free cabin stay. Think you can find a better deal than that?
Learn more about Kansas state parks, including information on facility updates, directions and how to make reservations, on their website.
Opt to go outside this Black Friday and get the best deal of all: the feeling of free.
About KDWPT Department Structure:
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. The commission conducts business during regular public sessions.
KDWPT employs approximately 460 full-time employees in five divisions: Executive Services , Administrative Services , Fisheries and Wildlife , Law Enforcement , Parks and Tourism.
Department History:
- 1905 – Fish and game laws were organized under the Kansas Fish and Game Department and implementation of a state law requiring a license to hunt.
- 1911 – The State Fish and Game Department was placed under the supervision of the University of Kansas Board of Regents
- 1925 – The Fish and Game Department was reorganized as the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission with three board members appointed by the Governor.
- 1927 – Commission was reorganized and was given approval to organize a warden service. Fishing licenses required of men 18-70.
- 1939 – Commission’s three-member board was abolished by the legislature and replaced by a six-member bipartisan commission appointed by the Governor
- 1943 – Legislature gives the commission full authority to set seasons and dates
- 1955 – The legislature and Gov. Fred Hall create the State Park and Resources Authority.
- 1960 – First Kansas boating laws enacted
- 1987 – Gov. Mike Hayden signs executive order merging the State Park and Resources Authority and Fish and Game Commission to create the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
- 2011 – Gov. Sam Brownback signs executive order moving the Division of Tourism from the Department of Commerce to the newly renamed Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism