Salem, Ore. – Summer is when the outdoors truly start calling to Oregonians. Oregon Lottery is capturing the spirit of the campers, hikers, adventure seekers, and anglers with a new, Oregon State Park themed Scratch-it. The $5 tickets feature three nostalgic scenes of park landscapes and fishing, have a top prize of $50,000, and are on sale now at Oregon Lottery retailers.
Lottery game play helps ensure that our state parks are continuously maintained and improved, with State Parks receiving more than $1 billion in Lottery funds since 1999. One example is Champoeg State Heritage Area, a site with a project underway to add more RV campsites and cabins.
“Oregon State Parks truly put our state on the map, with some of the most scenic, special places in the country,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We’re proud to support State Parks and their impact in our communities across Oregon.”
The unique tickets also coincide with State Parks Day – celebrated on June 1 with free parking for the 25 parks that charge a parking permit and free RV and tent site camping at all Oregon State Parks. State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their support of the state park system over many decades.
Oregon Lottery is also sponsoring a new program allowing residents to check out a State Parks parking permit from their local library. The passes are currently available in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties, with more coming online in the summer months. The permits can be checked out physically or digitally.
“Our collaboration with the Oregon Lottery began in 1999 when Oregonians voted to support Oregon State Parks with lottery proceeds,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption. “We've worked together throughout the years to bring unique recreation opportunities to our visitors and are excited this parking permit program will encourage more people to see our state's beautiful and historic areas without worrying about parking fees.”
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.