Regular readers know I've given a voice to the plight of California State Parks since June of 2009. Well, as with everything else in the state budget, things are getting progressively worse and 70 state parks are budgeted to close. That's almost a quarter of California State Parks -- and it's happening RIGHT NOW through 2012. It's a really complex issue - and so I asked Christopher Grant Ward of Folk4Parks.org to join forces with me over the summer.
Our deal: He creates videos and I share.
(Personal note: Thanks, Christopher, for taking on the lion's share and creating some videos to give voice to those who aren't always heard.)
We've both dedicated tons of our free time over the past two months to getting the message out and, still, there are those who don't even know the parks are closing. Please feel free to spread the word and share Christopher's amazing videos through your social channels. His new video is my absolute favorite:
The Value of California State Parks, in ONE Word
Happenings since August:
- Governor Brown signed AB 42 (“AB 42 is an important tool that allows the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to enter into operating agreements with nonprofits to operate state parks.” (CA State Parks Foundation)
- California State Parks Foundation started 2 new websites: The Magnificent 70 and CalParks Voices Blog.
- The National Park Service stepped in to save parks in Northern California
- A private donor stepped forward to preserve Henry Coe State Park
- Christopher started a fundraising effort by offering a new California State Parks Poster series. Read about it HERE.
Video Documentary:
- VIDEO TRAILER - Save the 70: The 2011 State Parks Documentary (Less than 2 minutes)
- VIDEO PART 1 - What Does it Mean to Close a State Park? (Less than 5 minutes)
- VIDEO PART 2 - What Makes a Park Significant? (Less than 4 minutes)
- VIDEO PART 3 - The Value of California State Parks in ONE Word (3 minutes)
More videos from Folk4Parks.org:
- VIDEO - CA State Park Closures: Our Public Legacy (8 minutes)
- VIDEO - CA State Park Employees Need Your Support (1 minute)
Some visuals:
- VISUAL - 3 Money Myths About CA State Parks
- VISUAL - Awareness Is Advocacy
