The California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) and our Save Our State Parks Campaign partners are working to raise public awareness about the impending park closures and find solutions that will help keep our state parks open.

Throughout the summer of 2012, SOS Campaign partners hosted regional screenings of the short documentary The First 70. In The First 70, we follow filmmakers Lauren Valentino, Jarratt Moody and Cory Brown of Heath Hen Films as they travel across the state to visit all 70 state parks identified for closure in 2011 and capture the parks’ endless beauty in images and interviews with those who love and care for them. The film investigates the various issues surrounding the closures, as well as how Californians have banded together to enact change and develop solutions. The film features interviews with many SOS Campaign partners. CSPF is proud to be an Executive Producer on this film.

At a time when our economy is struggling and unemployment rates remain high, closing state parks will put increased pressure on struggling businesses and communities that rely on state park visitors for their livelihood.  It is clear the closing parks is not just bad for California — Closing Parks is Bad for Business. (read more)

During our 10th Annual Park Advocacy Day on March 20, 2012, park advocates delivered over 400 letters and photographs from park supporters telling policymakers why state parks need to be defended. Pictures and messages were also featured in front of the Capitol as part of CSPF’s Defend What’s Yours Display.

On November 1st, state park supporters took to the streets to unite against the closure of 70 state parks and raise awareness of the negative impacts park closures will have on California. Participants marched from the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park (one of the 70 state parks planned for closure) to the Capitol where they gathered for a rally to emphasized the negative impacts that park closures will have- not only on park users, but on the economy as well. (read more)

After the closure list was released by the Department of Parks and Recreation, the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) launched an online Summer of Action: “Don’t Let Our State Parks become Just a Memory” . We asked park supporters to share favorite state park memories and photos- and then we hand delivered each of these memories to legislative offices throughout the summer. This Summer of Action has ended, but you can see what other state park lovers have shared in our gallery.

Throughout California, Save Our State Parks Campaign Partners are working together to send a powerful message to Governor Brown: Closing Parks is Bad for California. We are currently collecting signatures and messages on giant postcards that will be delivered to the Governor this fall. (read more)

To bring awareness to the impending closures of 70 state parks, CSPF participated in the 6^th Annual Park(ing) Day by creating a “park” in public parking spaces in downtown Sacramento. Thank you to everyone who visited our “park” to urge Governor Brown not to close state parks and to sign petitions in support of AB 42

On June 21, state park supporters from throughout California gathered for our Save Our State Parks rally and expo at the State Capitol. This event highlighted the natural, cultural and historic resources at risk with the planned closure of 70 state parks and the potential impacts that these park closures will have on communities. Over 100 representatives from 30 organizations staffed exhibits showcasing each of the 70 state parks proposed for closure.