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"The Legislature's passage of a final state budget avoids the closure of California's state parks – at least for this year," declared Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the California State Parks Foundation. "Millions of Californians can be relieved that the state parks, beaches, historic parks and recreation areas they rely on for low-cost vacations, school field trips and family outings will stay open for business."
"But the story isn't over. Unfortunately, this budget leaves our parks vulnerable to another uncertain fate next year. The demand for state parks is growing, requiring more resources to serve visitors' needs. At the same time, deferred maintenance expenses throughout the park system are topping more than $1.2 billion."
"It's disappointing that the Legislature and Governor missed an opportunity to create a stable, sustainable source of funding for state parks. Including the State Park Access Pass (SPAP) in this year's budget would have helped address the fiscal crisis facing our state parks and, in exchange, Californians would have gained free access to state parks, after paying just $10 annually. The idea is a popular one with California voters, with 73 percent indicating support for the proposal."
"Our state parks cannot continue to experience such financial neglect in the annual budget process. On behalf of the millions of state park visitors each year, the California State Parks Foundation will continue to push for long-term solutions like the State Park Access Pass and urge the Governor and Legislature to join us in that effort."
About The California State Parks Foundation
With our more than 95,000 members, the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) is the only statewide independent nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California's magnificent state parks. Since 1969, CSPF has contributed more than $136 million to benefit state parks. CSPF is committed to improving the quality of life for all Californians by expanding access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history, and recreational and educational opportunities offered by California's 278 state parks—the largest state park system in the United States.
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