For Immediate Release
July 9, 2026
Recognition celebrates the organization’s role in building public-private partnerships that connect more Californians to nature and strengthen the future of California’s state parks
SACRAMENTO — The California State Park and Recreation Commission honored Parks California with a proclamation recognizing the organization’s contributions to the California State Park System during its July 2 meeting at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The proclamation recognizes Parks California’s role as the statewide nonprofit partner to California State Parks and its work over the past seven years to expand equitable access, strengthen stewardship, accelerate innovation and leverage public-private partnerships that benefit parks across California.
The proclamation also recognizes Parks California’s creation following the recommendations of the Parks Forward Commission and Senate Bill 1111, which established the need to create an independent organization to help modernize and strengthen California’s state park system. Since its incorporation in 2018, Parks California has worked alongside California State Parks to expand funding, develop innovative programs and strengthen partnerships that connect more people to California’s public lands.
During the public meeting, California State Park and Recreation Commission Chairperson Phil Ginsberg presented the proclamation and highlighted the organization’s impact, stating:
“The State Parks System is extremely reliant on the support of our large and diverse set of partners, both public and private, large and small. In its short existence, Parks California has quickly become not only an effective but essential partner for helping State Parks meet its mission, through implementing innovation, nimbly bringing resources to projects and programs, enhancing the system’s visibility and being a catalyst for welcoming new partners, constituents and visitors to experience and benefit from our amazing State Parks properties and programs.”
Parks California president and CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor and board chair Deanna Martin Mackey accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization. “This recognition celebrates the strength of a partnership that was built to serve California’s parks and the people who love them,” said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, president and CEO, Parks California. “Working alongside California State Parks, we’ve partnered with more than 300 organizations and helped connect more than 100,000 people to parks across the state. Together, we’re proving that collaboration is one of the most powerful tools for expanding access, strengthening stewardship and preparing our parks for the future.”
As a public-private partner, Parks California works alongside California State Parks and these critical partners to expand access to parks, strengthen climate resilience and stewardship and help shape the future of California’s public lands.
Parks California has co-created programs with State Parks that remove barriers to outdoor access, advance climate readiness and prepare the next generation of park leaders.
“Everything we’ve built — our programs, partnerships and the trust we’ve earned in communities across California — honors the vision that helped create Parks California,” said Deanna Martin Mackey, chair, Parks California Board of Directors. “This recognition belongs to the communities, tribal organizations and partners who have done this work alongside us, and to the Californians who remind us every day why this work matters.”
Parks California’s work spans three strategic pillars:
- Access and Belonging: helping more Californians experience and feel welcome in public lands.
- Climate and Stewardship: advancing climate resilience, habitat restoration and landscape-scale conservation.
- Parks of the Future: supporting inclusive planning, workforce development and technology that prepares California’s park system for future generations.
Working alongside California State Parks, Parks California continues to bring together community voices, philanthropic investment and public leadership to strengthen California’s parks and ensure they remain welcoming, resilient and inspiring for generations to come.