It’s fun and it’s free
Most of us turn our eyes toward the gorgeous world outside our front doors once the weather becomes dry and comfortable. To celebrate the end of winter, the spring that never was and the summer we hope we might have, we put together a list of fun and free activities for your consideration. So, before you throw off your bear-sized hibernation and stumble off the front porch, give this a quick read.
The Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle
Created and operated by the Seattle Art Museum, this is a nine acre outdoor sculpture museum with an indoor pavilion and Puget Sound beach access. https://seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park
Ruby Beach, Olympic Peninsula
If you like sea stacks and massive driftwood, this is the beach for you. And it’s only 27 miles south of Forks, made famous by Twilight vampire series author Stephenie Meyer. If vamps aren’t your thing, you can stay at Ruby and gaze upon Destruction Island and its lighthouse four miles away. Ruby Beach is in Jefferson County off Highway 101.
The Vancouver Land Bridge, Vancouver WA
This unusual bridge connects Vancouver Waterfront Park to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The path that spans Highway 14 is said to be similar to an ancient Native American trail. The address is WA-14, WA 98661. The south entrance is on Columbia Way Blvd., at Old Apple Tree Park. The north entrance is west of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Riverfront Park, Spokane
This public park in downtown Spokane has so many free things to do and see, there isn’t room to list them all. Let’s just say the words “movies” and “storytelling,” show up a lot. Here’s the website with all the free goodies and details (there are some for-pay things too). https://my.spokanecity.org/riverfrontspokane/calendar/
Free Fishing Weekend
According to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity for anglers to introduce people to sportfishing. Who are we to argue with fun, free and fishing? This year, it’s held June 10-11. You won’t need a license to fish for certain species of fish. You also won’t need a vehicle access pass, a Discover Pass or a two-pole endorsement. See the WDFW website. https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/free
State Land’s Free Days
Days are free? They are if these folks say they are. Washington State Parks and the Washington Departments of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) and Natural Resources (DNR) offer several “free days” when a Discover Pass is not required to visit. The dates begin in January every year. Here are some upcoming dates to jot down on your calendar.
2023 Free Days from June – November
June 10 — National Get Outdoors Day
June 10 – 11 — Free Fishing Weekend
June 19 — Juneteenth
Sept. 23 — National Public Lands Day
Oct. 10 — World Mental Health Day
Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Nov. 25 — Autumn Day
According to the Discover Pass website https://discoverpass.wa.gov/, free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities). Free days are valid at state parks and Washington state departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife lands. Sno-Park permits are still required on free days at designated Sno-Parks during the winter season.
You’ve got a FREE ticket to ride
Gas prices giving you the blues? Can’t find your keys? Just wanna have fun and not worry about a thing? Olympia’s Intercity Transit bus fare is free! Pretty amazing, right? Map out your trip to a cool place of your own along one of Intercity’s routes. https://www.intercitytransit.com/zerofare-faqs
Homesploration
You might be a tad exhausted after spending all your free time exploring free stuff. Why not try an armchair experience! The Atlas Obscura is showcasing a feminist road trip that will take you on a virtual journey through history up to the present day. https://www.atlasobscura.com/itineraries/feminist-road-trip
Recent news
Rumors. They sure can be wild at times. At DRS, it’s not unusual for us to speak with customers who have heard a rumor that, as it so often turns out, is not exactly accurate.
The 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) reflects our on-going commitment to accurate and transparent financial reporting of the retirement systems.
Department of Retirement Systems recently learned of several email and phone schemes targeting public employees.
