Voices Raised in Advocacy for State Parks

People are talking . . . using their voices to fight for keeping California State Parks open.

McGrath State Beach in Ventura/Oxnard

The volunteer hours put in to save this place are astounding! It seems essential to have one leader for the cause to focus all efforts on key actions — right at the optimum time. For example, at different times the administrator of the Save McGrath State Beach page on Facebook has asked for followers to: vote for the park in a national contest, contact the media, write letters to the County Board of Supervisors, or to city government.

Telling a personal story and linking it to records of real money brought to the local economy from this State Park seems to be convincing the government to take a more active role in keeping it open. Local governments understand that putting in a little bit of $ to keep the parks open actually reaps benefits for the surrounding businesses, as well as the city. Follow the Save McGrath State Beach page to see a case study of a successful fight being waged on behalf of a treasured park.

California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) launches a blog and a new website

CSPF is the non-profit leader and our “Voice for the Parks” in California. If you love our parks and are not already a member, I highly recommended joining and signing up for their email newsletter. I’m a Frequent Visitor member which includes an annual parking pass. Heck! Give memberships as gifts to family and friends. I’m a huge fan of their new blog called CalParks Voices blog where they keep readers updated in short, timely bit-size pieces.

The Magnificent 70 website is a pictorial wonder of each of the parks on the closure list. See the parks. Read their story. Then get involved with the nonprofit associated with that park. Follow CalParks on Facebook, too.

Folk4Parks.org shares new park documentary videos and presents on “Our Public Legacy”

I consider myself an accidental park advocate (I’m talking because I’m so panicked about losing our parks to nonsensical closures). Christopher Grant Ward is very deliberate in his advocacy. His nonprofit, website and blog are “dedicated to the preservation of open spaces in California and around the world.” You can see all his park videos on his YouTube Channel and read his blog at Folk4Parks.org.

Christopher has also just introduced a State Parks Poster Collector Series with opportunities to donate directly to a nonprofit supporting a CA State Park.

AB42 is on Governor Brown’s Desk

“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.” It doesn’t solve the funding problem for all parks, but it will help prevent closures at least at some parks. Please show your support and encourage the Governor to sign AB42. It took me 5 minutes to follow the links and sign the petition.