Press Room

Sen. Morse Gets Greatest Generation in the Great Outdoors

Friday, August 6 2010

Bill Allows State Seniors to Purchase Lifetime State Park Pass

Sen. Morse with constituent Hal Seiferd and his wife as Gov. Ritter signs SB 71 into law

DENVER—    An exciting new piece of legislation that will allow Colorado senior citizens to purchase life time state park passes will take effect Wednesday, August 11.  Senate Bill 71 sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) creates the “Aspen Leaf Park Pass” which will be available to senior citizens for an affordable onetime payment and which will never expire.  Many senior citizens who are on fixed incomes are unable to pay yearly park fees and this measure will ensure that the elderly can enjoy time in Colorado’s majestic outdoors.

“I certainly can’t take all the credit for this great idea, that has to go to my friend and constituent Hal Seiferd who suggested that seniors should be able to affordably enjoy the great outdoors in their golden years,” stated Senator Morse. “I’m extremely pleased that I was able to make that dream a reality, and give back to our senior citizens whose contributions to our communities are invaluable.”

Seniors represent a large portion of park-goers in the state.  Currently, seniors can purchase a pass called the “Aspen Leaf”, which is valid for residents 64 years and older for one year. The current cost for the annual pass is $30, which can add up over the years. The fee for the Aspen Leaf Pass has yet to be determined by the State Parks Board, but it will not exceed $150.  The pass will be available for sale early next year.

SB 71 was sponsored by Rep. Jim Reisberg in the House.