Research & Practice
Free Days and Free Ways to Reach Washington State Parks
Access to outdoor recreation has been proven to improve mental and physical health outcomes, as well as community wellbeing. Washington state parks, however, are often located far from population centers and are difficult to access for people without private vehicle access, individuals with disabilities, and residents of low socioeconomic status. Free Days and Free Ways represents a collaboration between the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) and Washington State SNAP-ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) , who both recognize the need to provide access to Washington State Parks for community members qualifying for SNAP services. This project involved an audit of Washington state parks reachable by public transit; the creation of resources for SNAP-ed providers to help community members access those parks; interviews of stakeholders across Parks, SNAP-ed, and the Washington State Department of Transportation; and presentations to Parks and SNAP-ed leadership teams.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): MPH Practicum
Author(s): Clair Werch
Program(s): Master of Public Health
Year: 2025
Adviser(s):