Legislation to Increase Access to Green Spaces for All Californians Passes Out of Critical Policy Committees

Sacramento, CA – The California Legislature has officially advanced two parks access bills out of their policy committees, AB 209 (Limon) and AB 556 (Carrillo). The bills’ progression is a critical step in addressing the barriers to access that impact many of our state’s underserved communities. Both bills establish programs that will work to ensure that every Californian, especially youth, can experience the crucial health and wellness benefits that our more than 280 state parks provide.

Park advocates from across the state spoke with legislators about the importance of both bills during the California State Parks Foundation’s Advocacy Day and, since then, the California State Parks Foundation has been on the frontlines, working with partners to make park access for all a priority by supporting legislation like AB 209 and AB 556.

In response to the bills’ progress Rachel Norton, California State Parks Foundation Executive Director, offered the following statement:

“The continued momentum behind AB 209 and AB 556 marks a critical step forward in addressing the inequalities in access to our green spaces.

“California’s parks offer much more than just natural beauty and it’s time that we flip the conversation and talk about them as a fundamental right because of the crucial mental and physical health benefits that they can provide to all Californians, especially our youth. We urge continued action on solutions like AB 209 and AB 556 so that we can ensure a parks system that is open and available for the health and wellness of every Californian.”