Save the California State Library State Parks Pass!

In January, we shared the disappointing news that ongoing funding for the popular California State Library Parks Pass was not included in Governor Newsom’s proposed FY 25 budget. This means that if the state budget is not amended to include this funding, the program will cease in December 2024, once the 34,000 passes currently deployed in California public libraries expire.  

In 2021, a $9.1 million one-time General Fund allocation created three programs to support free park access, especially for youth in underserved communities. These pilot programs were 

1. California State Park Adventure Pass for fourth graders 

2. California State Library Parks Pass that placed passes in every public library in the state (including tribal libraries) 

3. A revamped Golden Bear Pass program for families receiving CalWORKs. 

Since then, the pilot pass programs have made significant impacts in connecting more Californians with their state parks. As of September 2023, 48,000+ students have received a California State Park Adventure Pass, 63,000+ families have received a Golden Bear Pass, and 33,000 California State Library Parks Passes have been placed across every public library in the state.  

The failure to include ongoing funding for the California State Library Parks Pass is disappointing, given the program’s success. Library staff report that the pass is one of the most checked out items — and it’s incredibly easy to use! 

Key insights from the California State Library Parks Pass surveys administered by California State Parks, and supported by California State Parks Foundation (with 3,638 responses through August 1, 2023), include: 

• 63% indicated cost of day use fees as their main barrier to visiting state parks.
• 70% of respondents during the reporting period indicated an income under $60,000.
• 64% indicated that they identified as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
• 90% now plan to visit state parks 7+ times a year thanks to the parks pass. 

We are continuing to push the Legislature and hope to restore the California State Library Parks Pass funding before the 2024–2025 budget is revised in May and finalized in June.  

You can help! At California State Parks Foundation, we believe that programs such as the California State Library Parks Pass are integral to our Access and Experience work. These programs are a clear step to ensure every visitor has a sense of belonging in state parks, despite barriers that could deter them, so they can enjoy a positive and meaningful experience and forge a lifelong connection to these wonderful places.