State Simplifies Park Access Program for New Yorkers Living with Mental Illness
New York State is encouraging residents living with mental illness to take advantage of the state’s parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities through a streamlined application process for the Access Pass program.
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) recently announced changes designed to make it easier for eligible individuals receiving services through OMH programs to obtain an Access Pass, which provides free or discounted admission to many state-operated attractions.
“Time spent enjoying nature and New York’s many outdoor attractions can provide restorative benefits for all of us,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “By making it easier to apply for the Access Pass, we are ensuring that more New Yorkers, including individuals living with mental health challenges, can take advantage of this worthwhile program as they continue their recovery.”
The Access Pass is available to New York residents with qualifying disabilities and offers free or reduced-cost access to state parks, historic sites, recreational facilities, and locations operated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Benefits include free vehicle entry to most state park day-use areas, state-operated boat launches, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves. Passholders also receive free greens fees at state park golf courses, free admission to state-operated swimming pools, and discounted camping and cabin rentals at many state campgrounds and DEC facilities.
OMH recently simplified the eligibility verification process for individuals with mental disabilities who receive services through OMH-funded, operated, or licensed programs. Under the new process, clinicians can complete a simplified digital confirmation letter that can be submitted directly to Parks through a secure online system, or applicants can submit it themselves by mail or email.
Previously, certification required additional coordination between OMH, applicants, and clinicians before documentation was forwarded to the state parks agency. Applicants must still complete the Access Pass application, but they no longer need OMH to certify their disability.
The confirmation letter template and instructions are available on the OMH website (https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/bootstrap/consumers-families.html), while Access Pass applications and submission instructions can be found on the New York State Parks website (https://parks.ny.gov/visit/passes/access-pass).
State officials hope the changes will encourage greater participation in the program. Although roughly 800,000 people receive services through OMH-funded, operated, or licensed programs, only about 1,100 currently have active Access Passes.
The initiative complements the state’s Be Well campaign, which promotes activities that support mental wellness, including spending time outdoors, exercising, and building social connections. Health experts note that time in nature can help reduce stress while increasing exposure to sunlight, which may boost serotonin and vitamin D levels.
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