Equitable Access to California’s State Parks 

Equitable access to California state parks poses a complex challenge that extends beyond mere physical proximity. Financial considerations are a prominent factor in limiting access to California state parks. Admission fees, parking charges, and camping permits can be financially burdensome for many residents, particularly those with lower incomes. The cost of entry can deter individuals and families from experiencing the natural wonders within these parks, thereby excluding them from the numerous physical and mental health benefits, educational opportunities, and recreational activities that these spaces offer. To bridge this gap, initiatives to reduce or waive fees for low-income communities are a priority. 

Governor Gavin Newsom's California for All vision emphasizes equitable access to nature and the outdoors. The California for All initiative, led by Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, is dedicated to expanding parks in communities lacking outdoor spaces, supporting access programs, and fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians in the outdoors. In 2021, Governor Newsom made a historic investment of over $1 billion to enhance access to parks and open spaces, offering a unique opportunity to improve outdoor access statewide. Achieving equitable access to California state parks is a multifaceted endeavor that requires addressing geographic disparities, transportation barriers, financial obstacles, and fostering inclusivity. By starting with addressing the cost of entry, California can work towards ensuring that its diverse population has equal opportunities to connect with and enjoy the state's remarkable natural beauty and recreational opportunities. 
 

Innovative Solutions to Bridging the Park Access Gap 

California was able to create, for the very first time, innovative access programs for children and families to explore state parks. More diverse communities have the opportunity to become part of California’s landscape, enjoy the physical and mental benefits of connecting with nature, and be inspired to take care of these treasured places for future generations. California’s budget and legislative wins have transformed into programs Californians can use right now to access California state parks for free.  

The Fiscal Year 2021-22 State Budget included $9.1 million to support and establish a series of state parks passes aimed to promote fair and inclusive access to California’s parks and open spaces, particularly for young individuals in underserved communities. These passes included the State Park Adventure Pass, which grants free day use passes to fourth graders and their families to 19 state parks; the California State Library Pass in collaboration with the California State Library; and an enhanced Golden Bear Pass in collaboration with California Department of Social Services. 

The California State Park Adventure Pass was created as a pilot program in AB 148 (2021, Ting) and waives day-use entrance fees for fourth graders and their families. This program is modeled after the Every Kid Outdoors program, previously known as the Every Kid in a Park program, that was established in 2015 during the Obama administration. The Every Kid Outdoors program specifically targeted fourth-grade students. The idea was that by engaging children at this age, they would be more likely to develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the outdoors. 

The FY 2021-22 state budget included $5.6 million to fund the new State Park Adventure Pass as well as $3 million to establish the State Library Park Pass pilot program, which provides state park passes to libraries across the state that may be checked out by library patrons to gain free day-use access to state parks.  

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

• 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. 

Outcomes to Date

Partnership and collaboration among state agencies, including California State Parks, California State Library, and the California Department of Social Services, along with nonprofit partners like California State Parks Foundation and Parks California, has resulted in incredible outcomes from the three free pass programs. Outcomes as of September 2023:  

• More than 48,000 students have received a California State Park Adventure Pass.  

• More than 63,000 families have received a Golden Bear Pass – compared to an annual average of 2,500 passes before this partnership.  

• 33,000 California State Parks Library Passes have been placed in more than 1,100 public library branches throughout the state. Libraries report that this is one of the most checked out items in the library. 

Key insights from the California State Library Parks 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. 

“I was able to take my youth group on a hike in our state parks thanks to these library passes! Many had never been to our state park that is located right in town. Thank you for this program!” - Melinda G., Folsom, CA 
 

“The park pass is what got me to sign up for a library pass and it got me to visit the local library and check out other resources. [With] the high cost of everything in California, the pass really helps reduces the cost of getting out in the open.” - Marco F., Kerman, CA 
 

Next steps: Funding the Future 

Establishing the California State Parks passes as permanent programs is vital for ensuring equitable access and the long-term sustainability of the state's park system. These passes provide affordable access to individuals and families, fostering a sense of inclusion and encouraging repeat visits year-round.  

Furthermore, they promote stewardship and environmental responsibility while offering educational opportunities and supporting public health and well-being. By providing a stable foundation for investment, a permanent pass program aligns with the state's Outdoors for All goals, ensuring that California's natural treasures remain accessible and well-preserved for future generations to enjoy. 
 

California State Parks Foundation is passionately advocating for securing a permanent place for these pilot programs in the state budget, with a yearly allocation of $3 million to support each pass program, totaling $9 million annually. 

We are committed to partnering with California State Parks to ensure these programs thrive. We will work together to ensure everyone feels welcome in our parks, regardless of background. Through Pathways to Parks, we're partnering, funding, and advocating for inclusive experiences in our state parks.   
 

“This is such a blessing to have this pass. My kids are so excited when I brought them with me to the library to pick up the pass and we immediately went to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.” - Biana L., San Diego, CA