Clark County launches new equitable park access programs in 2026, including free-parking days

Clark County is introducing new park access programs in 2026 that include free parking days and a library-based parking pass checkout option.


In fall 2025, the Clark County Council approved updated rates for parking fees and facility rentals, to be implemented in 2026

VANCOUVER – Daily parking fees are charged year-round at four county regional parks – Frenchman’s Bar, Lewisville, Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek and Vancouver Lake. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the parking fee changed to $5 per day, regardless of vehicle type.

Parking fees help provide funding to support parks maintenance and impacts of use such as garbage/waste management, restroom cleaning and facilities upkeep. In fall 2025, the Clark County Council approved updated rates for parking fees and facility rentals, to be implemented in 2026.

New for 2026: Improving access with fee-free days and Check Out Washington

Parking fee-free days

Twelve parking fee-free days, including some weekdays, some weekend days, some federal holidays and other observances. The goal is to offer fee-free days that differ from those for state parks, increasing the number of free days on public lands in the county. In 2026, the parking fee-free dates are:

  • Monday, Feb. 2: Groundhog Day
  • Monday, March 30: National Take a Walk in the Park Day
  • Friday, April 24: Arbor Day
  • Saturday, May 9: National Bird Day
  • Sunday, May 17: Kids to Parks Day
  • Sunday, June 21: Summer Solstice
  • Saturday, July 11: National Wildlife Day
  • Saturday, Aug. 15: National Relaxation Day
  • Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day
  • Saturday, Oct. 17: National Take a Hike Day
  • Friday, Nov. 27: Green Friday
  • Saturday, Dec. 5: International Volunteer Day
     

Borrow a parking pass for free
In collaboration with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, Public Works will add county regional parks parking passes to the library’s free Check Out Washington backpacks. Patrons can place holds online at fvrl.org and check out backpacks at district library locations beginning in early 2026.  

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.


Also read:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *