For Immediate Release
June 26, 2025
Now in its fifth year, the transportation grant program helps more Californians create lasting memories in state parks
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and Parks California today announced the opening of the 2026 Route to Parks grant application period, inviting California-based community and tribal organizations to apply for funding that helps remove transportation and access barriers to California’s 280 state parks. This grant continues Parks California’s commitment to ensuring that all Californians — regardless of background or location — can experience the health, cultural and recreational benefits of time in nature.
Launched in 2020, Route to Parks is part of a broader public-private partnership between Parks California and California State Parks. The Waterway Connections Initiative and philanthropic investments from supporters, including the PG&E Corporation Foundation and BMO, make the program possible.
“Route to Parks represents what’s possible when community leaders and State Parks work hand-in-hand to lower barriers and open new doors to nature,” said Geoff Kish, vice president of programs at Parks California. “Together, we’re helping ensure that every community sees themselves reflected in California’s state parks.”
In just five years, the program has supported more than 120 projects with community, government and tribal organizations and connected more than 20,000 people — many visiting a state park for the first time. Grantees have created meaningful, community-informed experiences through camping programs, cultural heritage outings, wellness hikes, youth leadership activities and more. Grant awards are anticipated to average between $25,000 and $30,000, with around 30 grants expected.
Applications for the 2026 Route to Parks grants are due by Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT.
For the 2026 grants, Parks California encourages proposals that:
- Remove transportation and access barriers to California State Parks
- Engage underserved communities that face historical or structural barriers to park access
- Offer recreational, environmental, cultural or historical programming, with most activities hosted at California State Parks
- Strengthen collaboration between applicants and State Parks staff (coordination required before applying)
In 2025, a Route to Parks grant enabled Salton Sea State Recreation Area to host curated programs designed by Grower’s First as part of its Kids Club Nature. These programs focused on introducing youth and their families to the outdoors through birdwatching, migration tracking activities and other learning experiences.
“One of the most important things about the Route to Parks program is seeing the connection between the participants and the park,” said Cassandra Van Dyne, interpreter at Salton Sea State Recreation Area. “Partnering with Parks California and community organizations helps us open doors for the families in our own community.”
Route to Parks aligns with the Outdoors for All initiative, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and supports the California Natural Resources Agency’s commitment to equity and inclusion in public lands access.
Visit the Parks California website for application details, learn about previous grantees or watch a replay of the 2026 grant information session.
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Contacts:
California State Parks
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
Parks California
media@parkscalifornia.org
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
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About Parks California
Parks California is the official public-private nonprofit partner to California State Parks. Working statewide, it’s uniquely positioned to innovate and work hand-in-hand with communities and experts to bring resources together, ensuring that everyone can experience healthy and thriving parks for generations to come. Parks California launched in 2019 and since has partnered with more than 100 nonprofit and tribal groups to help more than 28,000 people experience one of California’s 280 state parks — many for the first time ever — in the hopes of starting a lifelong love of nature.
