In keeping with annual tradition, Alaska State Parks will again waive parking fees at their facilities across the state on Friday to encourage outdoor recreation during the holiday weekend.

“The day after a Thanksgiving feast is the perfect time to get outside and appreciate some fresh air, rather than fight the crowds for holiday shopping,” says Ricky Gease, director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, in a Wednesday press release from the Department of Natural Resources.

Around the Kenai Peninsula, parking fees will be waived at State Recreation Areas in Clam Gulch, Crooked Creek, Deep Creek, Johnson Lake, Kasilof River, Lowell Point, Ninilchik, Captain Cook, Anchor River, Stariski and Blueberry Lake. Fees are also waived in the Kenai River Special Management Area, including Bing’s Landing, Cooper Landing, Eagle Rock, Funny River, Izaak Walton, Kenai River Flats, Morgan’s Landing and The Pillars.

At each of these locations, parking fees are usually $5. Fees are set to be increased on Jan. 1, to $7 per day. Annual passes for next year can be purchased at the existing rate until the end of the year.

For more information on fees at Alaska State Parks, visit dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.