Mesa Verde National Park will celebrate the 97th birthday of the National Park Service on Sunday, Aug. 25. Admission to Mesa Verde and all other national parks will be free on that day.

“National parks belong to all Americans and offer something for everyone — so visit the park, take a hike, go on a tour or just take in the scenery,” said Park Superintendent Cliff spencer.

The National Park Service was established on Aug. 25, 1916. The United States was the first country in the world to set aside its most significant places as national parks so that they could be enjoyed by all. Today the Park Service cares for 401 national parks throughout the country — each one an important part of our collective identity. Some parks commemorate notable people and achievements; others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn something.

The mission of the National Park Service extends beyond parks into communities across the country where the NPS works with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life. To see what the Park Service does in Colorado, go to www.nps.gov/CO.

Additional fee-free days for 2013 for National Park Service units are National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28, and Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 9-11.