In 2021, California State Parks received funding to create pilot programs providing free access to state parks, including the California State Library Parks Pass. This program provides free day-use entry to California state parks to anyone with a library card in California. It has proven integral in creating a more accessible park system as the cost of entry with fees can financially burden residents, deterring people from visiting state parks.
Unfortunately, the Governor did not include funding to continue the California State Library Parks Pass in his 2024-2025 budget proposal or the May Revise. The program's current funding will expire at the end of this fiscal year, and libraries will not receive new passes for checkout after December 31, 2024.
We are extremely concerned about the Governor’s budget omission, that ends this highly effective and popular program providing free access to California state parks. The California State Library Parks Pass is critical to our state’s goal of a healthier, more equitable California for All.
Last year, the California State Parks Foundation released compelling survey data highlighting the success of the California State Library Parks Pass program. The survey yielded these key insights which show the impact and importance of the program:
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A majority of respondents (63%) previously considered cost to be their main reason for not having visited state parks previously.
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Thanks to the park pass program, a staggering 90% of respondents now plan to visit state parks over seven times a year.
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Nearly 70% of the survey’s respondents indicated an income level of $60,000 or less.
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Over 63% of respondents indicated that they are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC).
For the program to continue past this year, the Legislature must include funding in the budget that goes to the Governor on June 15, 2024. It is integral to voice your support NOW using the social toolkit below. Together, let's show Governor Newsom and Legislative leaders that we support park access for all!
SHARE THE PETITION LINK
https://act.calparks.org/a/supportlibraryparkpass
USE THE HASHTAGS
#CalParksAdvocacy
#OutdoorsForAll
#CALibraryParkPass
TAG CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION
Tag us in your posts so we can share them with our followers
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Instagram: @calparks
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X/ Twitter: @calparks
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Facebook: California State Parks Foundation
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LinkedIn: California State Parks Foundation
TAG ELECTED OFFICIALS
Help amplify your support for park access by tagging Governor Newsom and your State Legislators.
Office of the California Governor
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Instagram: @cagovernor
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X/ Twitter: @cagovernor
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Facebook: California Governor
Gavin Newsom
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Instagram: @gavinnewsom
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X/ Twitter: @gavinnewsom
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Facebook: Gavin Newsom
Let your State Legislator know directly by tagging them in your post. You can find your Legistlator’s information here.
For more tips on how to reach your State Legislator, please check out ours instructional video here.
WHAT SHOULD I POST TO SOCIAL MEDIA
You might want to share:
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Stories and photos from a park visit using the California State Library Parks Pass.
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What Outdoors for All/California for All means to you.
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The benefits of being in a California state park.
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A retweet, repost, or response to California State Parks Foundation’s social media.
SAMPLE POSTS
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The future of the California State Library Parks Pass is at stake! If funding is not identified by June 15, 2024, libraries will not receive new passes for the following year. Please protect this essential park pass program from being defunded. [https://act.calparks.org/a/supportlibraryparkpass]
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Join me in fighting for park access! Sign the petition by June 15 urging Governor Newsom and Legislative leaders to restore state funding for the California State Library Parks Pass! [https://act.calparks.org/a/supportlibraryparkpass]
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Did you know the California State Library Parks Pass is one of the library's most checked-out items... but that funding for this program will end on Dec 31, 2024? This vital park pass gives library card holders free vehicle day-use entry to state parks, many of whom may not have been able to visit a park without it. Please sign the petition asking for continued funding of the Library Parks Pass to keep our parks accessible for everyone. [https://act.calparks.org/a/supportlibraryparkpass]
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My recent trip with the California State Library Parks Pass was unforgettable! The joy and benefits of nature should be a right, not a privilege. That’s why the California State Library Parks Pass is such a great program – it offers every Californian with a library card free access to state parks. Join me in supporting this successful program by signing the petition to ensure the program receives funding for next year. Let's continue to make park access a reality for everyone. [https://act.calparks.org/a/supportlibraryparkpass]
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Last year, California State Parks Foundation ran a study on the success of the California State Library Parks Pass Program. We learned that 63% of participants identified cost as a significant barrier to enjoying our state parks. This issue was especially prevalent among those earning $60,000 or less, which made up nearly 70% of respondents. The success of the California State Library Parks Pass in alleviating financial challenges for park visitors is undeniable. Please show Governor Newsom and our legislators that park access should be a right for all. Sign the petition now. [https://act.calparks.org/a/supportlibraryparkpass]
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Outdoors for All isn't just a phrase; it's a promise. The California State Library Parks Pass is our key to unlocking this promise, offering every Californian free access to state parks. But this incredible program needs your voice to continue – as funding is currently set to expire on Dec 31, 2024. Sign the petition and join the movement towards a future where everyone can experience the wonders of our state parks. [https://act.calparks.org/a/supportlibraryparkpass]
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