While California state parks are public spaces, many people cannot access or experience them. Barriers to park access include lack of transportation, cost of visiting, lack of awareness of parks or the activities they offer, closures, and more. Though we are working to reduce these barriers, this is just the beginning of the effort to ensure that every Californian feels welcome in and can enjoy state parks.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS WEEK 

In June 2023, we celebrated the second annual California State Parks Week, a weeklong series of activities across California that showcase the enormous range of opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of California state parks. This year, participants were encouraged to reflect on a daily theme throughout the week. Themes included explore new experiences, nourish your health and well-being, support climate resilience, celebrate community and culture, and care for our shared lands.  

To help pull off the event, we offered 29 grants, totaling $50,450, to various California state parks and partner organizations to fund special community events. Investing in these parks is crucial for the well-being of residents and visitors, promoting outdoor recreation, and preserving our state’s rich natural and cultural resources.   

EXPANDING ACCESS THROUGH PASS PROGRAMS  

In California State Parks Foundation’s efforts to open park gates to more people who’d like to enjoy them, we’ve found success in supporting, advocating for, and publicizing three key pass programs that offer free access to key communities:  

• California State Park Adventure Pass: Gives fourth graders and their families who live in the state a free pass to access 19 selected state parks for a full year. 

• State Library Parks Pass: Gives library card holders free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state park units operated by State Parks. 

• Golden Bear Pass: Makes it easier for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, income-eligible Californians over the age of 62, and participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program to receive a free annual vehicle day-use pass valid at over 200 participating state parks. 

How we’re moving the California State Library Parks Pass forward  

Since the launch of the California State Library Parks Pass, California State Parks Foundation has continued to partner with California State Parks and State Libraries to support implementation by promoting and evaluating the program. 

• MARKETING & OUTREACH: California State Parks Foundation has funded the printing of collateral to help promote the program. We funded 240,000 bookmarks (200 per library branch) to promote using library cards for free state park access and printed 50,000 half-page sheets to collect program feedback through surveys. 

• GEAR & BACKPACKS: To enhance the experience once visitors get to the park, we provide items that add additional value to the passes. We partnered with REI Co-op, who contributed 500 backpacks for a pilot program. These packs come with gear like binoculars, compasses, and wildlife guides to enhance the park experience for those checking out a pass. 

• SURVEY & EVALUATION: Participants are urged to take a survey for a chance to win an Annual Pass. The survey helps gather valuable data on pass usage and reducing barriers to state parks. Key insights from the California State Park Library Pass surveys administered by California State Parks, and supported by California State Parks Foundation (3,638 responses through August 1, 2023): 

• 63% indicated cost of day use fees as their main reason for not having visited state parks previously. 

• 90.1% plan to visit state parks again 7+ times a year thanks to the Parks Pass.   

• 45.2% of respondents during the reporting period indicated an income level of $60,000, with 24.6% reporting an income level of $30,000 or less. 

• 63.5% indicated that they were Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). 

• 81% of respondents are more likely to use other library resources and   services after using the California State Library Parks Pass. 

California State Parks Passes break down barriers for Californians to enjoy our state park system. As these are pilot programs, California State Parks Foundation is passionately advocating for securing a permanent place for these pilot programs in the state budget.