With one day left, a San Francisco nonprofit announced that 44 out of 49 California state parks had run out of free passes for Black Friday.
That number has jumped since Wednesday, when there were 31 parks that had run out of the free passes, Save the Redwoods spokeswoman Jennifer Benito said. The five parks that still have passes are in the North Coast:
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area
John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Her organization took the unprecedented step this year to sponsor about $50,000 of free passes to the state's redwood parks thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor. As of Thanksgiving Day, there were five state parks left with free passes left.
That's not to say that outdoor enthusiasts can't go to a park. They can. But they'll have pay the entrance fee, which supports the state park system.
The San Francisco nonprofit decided last week to offer the free passes after being inspired by REI's bold move in October. The outdoor gear company decided to pay its employees to take the day off and go outdoors, instead of working, on the day after Thanksgiving - a traditional shopping day in the United States.
Since REI's announcement affecting more than 140 stores across the country, Minnesota, Missouri and the East Bay Regional Park District also have offered free Black Friday entrances, urging people to #OptOutside.
U.S. & World
Visitors can download the remaining free passes to the California state parks here.
To download a free pass, click here.
