California’s first publicly funded park was created more than a century ago in 1902. Since then, California has relied on partnerships to support park transformation by raising the money, strengthening the capacity and securing the resources needed to protect these remarkable lands and promote ongoing conservation efforts.
One of the state park system’s strongest allies in recent park transformation efforts was The Parks Forward Commission. This trusted independent panel of experts, citizens, and advocates assessed state parks and gave clear, actionable recommendations on how to make improvements.
In 2015, The Parks Forward Commission designed and adopted the Parks Forward plan. This long-term plan for park transformation charts out a financially sustainable and culturally relevant state park system that meets the needs of diverse communities in California by 2025.
The creation of Parks California was a key recommendation in the Parks Forward plan to help bring this inspiring vision to life. In 2016, the Senate passed SB 1111, and in 2018, articles of incorporation were filed to establish Parks California as an official California nonprofit public benefit corporation in support of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
We know this is no small feat. But we are encouraged by the fact that Californians, by nature, want to help.
Parks California strengthens these long-standing valued partnerships and builds dynamic new ones.
Our diverse leadership, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council includes experts in business and finance, parks, resource management, education, marketing, and community engagement — all with the proven ability to contribute or raise funds.
Together, we can create meaningful park transformation — making our state parks welcoming, inclusive spaces where all people throughout California truly feel at home.