AUGUSTA - Maine State Parks are reporting that there was strong attendance during the first four days of July 2017 at Reid, Range Pond and Crescent Beach State Parks. When the figures for all Maine state parks are finalized, it is believed that they will exceed the number of visitors during a similar period in July 2016.

Governor Paul R. LePage, who kept Maine State Parks and historic sites open during the recent government shutdown, was quick to praise state employees for their efforts to ensure that visitors enjoyed the parks, incident -free, during the Independence Day holiday.

"I wish to publicly thank Maine state employees, in this case Bureau of Parks and Lands employees, for their service and professionalism in the face of a difficult situation," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Amidst a government shutdown, during one of the busiest times of the year, they safely handled more visitors than last year. Their efforts are a testament to the commitment, dedication and talents of Maine State employees. Because of them, the holiday vacation plans and public safety of Maine residents and out-of-state guests were not compromised."

PARTIAL JULY 1-4 ATTENDANCE NUMBERS:

**REID STATE PARK** 2016 - 6,843 2017 - 6,987

**RANGE POND STATE PARK** 2016 - 5,870 2017 - 7,318

**CRESCENT BEACH STATE PARK** 2016 - 7,298 2017 - 7,886