It’s safe to say that Black Friday has officially turned green in the Pacific Northwest.
This year, state parks in Oregon and Washington will once again waive all parking fees the day after Thanksgiving, encouraging people to get out and enjoy nature, but to do so safely as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.
“We recognize that being outdoors makes us feel better and is a break from the stresses of 2020,” Lisa Sumption, Oregon State Parks director, said in a news release last week. “In this unconventional year, we feel it is especially important to honor this tradition as thanks to Oregonians for supporting us through our toughest times.”
In Oregon, the free parking waiver will apply to the 25 park sites that usually charge $5 per vehicle, including popular parks such as Silver Falls, Fort Stevens and Smith Rock. In Washington, all state parks normally charge $10 per vehicle. Both state parks departments also offer annual passes for more frequent visitors.
Washington State Parks also offered an additional 11 fee-free days in 2020, and plans to offer 11 in 2021. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department doesn’t typically waive its parking fees, since most park sites are free already.
The Black Friday trend started back in 2015 in the Pacific Northwest, when outdoor retailer REI decided to close its stores the day after Thanksgiving, encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors instead of shopping. That announcement inspired the Oregon parks department to follow suit and waive all parking fees for the day, with Washington parks joining in 2017.
In Oregon, the fee-free day is called Green Friday, while in Washington it’s referred to as Autumn Day.
This year, park officials are asking people to respect public health precautions set in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. In Oregon, that means limiting gatherings to no more than six people from two households, wearing face coverings and maintaining at least six feet of distance from others.
“The pandemic challenges all of us to find new, creative ways to celebrate the holidays,” Sumption said. “We look forward to the safe return of these holiday traditions, and until then, parks are open and here for you.”
