At a time when our economy is struggling and unemployment rates remain high, closing state parks will put increased pressure on the struggling small businesses that rely on state park visitors for survival. California’s travel and tourism industry including hotels, locally-owned bed and breakfast establishments, restaurants, retail shops, tour operations and many more businesses that rely on parks for visitation and economic activity will be negatively impacted.  Simply stated — Closing Parks is Bad for Business.

What is the economic impact of closing state parks?

With over 70 million visits annually, California’s state parks are an important economic engine to the local communities in which they are located, generating over $4 billion in economic activity across the state.  Studies have shown that every $1 invested in the state park system returns $2.35 to the state’s General Fund, largely in the form of economic activity in local economies. The plan to close 70 state parks will result in reduced revenues for local businesses and overall losses in local fees and taxes.

        

Do you own or manage a business that will be impacted by park closures? Join the SOS Campaign and help us tell policymakers that Closing Parks is Bad for Business!

Over the next few months, we will be featuring stories from business leaders from throughout California who will be impacted by park closures. Please email advocacy@calparks.org if you would like to share your story.

On November 1, the ‘Closing Parks is Bad for Business’ campaign kicked off during a Save Our State Parks march and rally at the Capitol, where advocates gathered to bring awareness to the negative impacts park closures will have on California’s economy. (learn more)

Read our Press Release

Help distribute information on the Save Our State Parks Campaign! The following resources are available to business leaders as part of our campaign toolkit.
Bad for Business Placard ()
Endorsement Form (PDF) or use our online form
Business Fact Sheet (PDF)
Business Petition (PDF)
Business Resolution (PDF)

You can also request a free Closing Parks is Bad for Business placard to display by emailing advocacy@calparks.org.