Free Admission and Fishing at Lake Cahuilla for Veterans and Service Members This Memorial Day Weekend
May 24, 2024
LA QUINTA – Riverside County thanks and honors all who have served our country with free admission and fishing at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park during Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27.
Free admission is open to active duty military personnel, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard and federal and state reservists, and all other guests in the vehicle. Free entry also covers all day use activities such as fishing. To qualify, veterans need to present valid proof of military service.
Those fishing need a state fishing license, required for anyone 16 and older. The state fishing license is not sold at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, but can be purchased at retailers. Anglers must use unopened and unused baits only.
The lake was stocked with 900 pounds of catfish stock on Friday.
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, the first in the county park system named in honor of veterans, is located at 58075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta, CA 92253. The phone number for more information is 760-564-4712.
“Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is a beautiful place to spend a day, to walk, hike, go fishing, or horseback riding, and just relax and enjoy nature,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “We welcome veterans, their families and the community to enjoy Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park this Memorial Day weekend.”
In August 2017, Lake Cahuilla Regional Park was renamed to Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in honor of veterans. The renaming measure included free entry to the park for veterans and service members every Memorial Day weekend (Saturday-Monday) and Veterans Day (every November 11).
In addition, the county park district has a program called the W.A.I.V.E. pass for veterans. Disabled veterans can get unlimited day-use admission to all parks in the county park system year-round with the pass. In addition, the pass waives one-time boat launching privileges at county owned or operated boat launch ramps for veterans on Memorial Day and/or Veterans Day annually. To apply for a W.A.I.V.E. pass, print and mail the application available at https://tinyurl.com/waivepass.
“Riverside County has a tradition of honoring those that serve in the military, both past and present. We are happy to see veterans and military personnel enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities provided at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park,” said Kyla Brown, Parks Director.
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is operated by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District via a lease with the Coachella Valley Water District and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
The park features flags of each military branch, dedication plaques, lighting and landscaping pathways.
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Supervisor V. Manuel Perez represents the Fourth Supervisorial District on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. The largest district in the county by geography, the 4th District covers eastern Riverside County, from Whitewater, stretching across the entire Coachella Valley south to the Salton Sea, up Highway 74 to Idyllwild and the mountain communities, and heading east of the Coachella Valley to Blythe and the Colorado River.
Supervisor Perez’s office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
About the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District:
Our Mission is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of park related places of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance. Our Vision is to be the regional leader in improving lives through people, parks, places and programs. www.rivcoparks.org