Parks California

As we celebrate five years of partnership with California State Parks this year, we have been reflecting on what has been achieved, thanks to the collaboration from our partners and supporters – from over a hundred nonprofit and community organizations to climate scientists to tribal leaders to equity champions to our generous funders and all of YOU! We would not be where we are today without this community.  We’re excited to announce a new report, Leading Together: A New Model for Thriving State Parks, examining Parks California’s unique statutory partnership model and providing guidance to other park systems that want to establish a similar partnership. Potrero Group—a consulting firm with expertise in public lands—put this report together to help us share what we’ve learned from our first five years with California State Parks. We believe that collaboration and partnership is the key to addressing major issues, like climate change and inequality, and we hope that our experience helps parks everywhere to thrive. Learn more about our statutory partnership model: https://lnkd.in/gkYeUrWC #ParksForEveryone #CAStateParks

Los Angeles! We are two weeks away from a wonderful free event that includes music, light refreshments, an inspiring setting, and the company of fellow park enthusiasts. Andrea Campos, our featured artist for the year, will be there to discuss her work and sign limited-edition California Parks-inspired prints. RSVP with this link (https://bit.ly/camposprint) or by emailing Michael at [email protected].    Los Angeles Art-Collaboration Launch Date: Wednesday, September 11 Time: 5 – 7 PM Location: Los Angeles State Historic Park

We're proud to spotlight Route to Parks previous grant recipient Insight Garden, which facilitates an innovative curriculum combined with vocational gardening and landscaping training so that people in prison can reconnect to self, community, and the natural world. This “inner” and “outer” gardening approach transforms lives, ends ongoing cycles of incarceration, and creates safer communities. Enjoy this 3-min video that shares the meaningful experience these participants had while camping: https://lnkd.in/e2dMVrjB We share this because we also have made it to the final days to apply for the Route to Parks grant program! Applications are due this Wednesday, August 28 at 5 pm. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gyurHDSi #ParksForEveryone #RouteToParks #CAStateParks

Parks California leadership is expanding! 🎉 Adam Verdin joined our Board of Directors. Adam is a dedicated community leader, small business owner, professional pilot, and attorney from San Luis Obispo County. He actively contributes to his community by serving on several boards, including the San Luis Obispo County Airport Land Use Commission, Jack’s Helping Hand, 5 Cities Homeless Coalition, and the South County Chambers of Commerce. His diverse expertise and passion for civic engagement have now led him to the Parks California Board of Directors, where he will continue to advocate for the well-being and development of his local and extended communities. Photo of Adam Verdin #ParksCalifornia #ParksForEveryone

Plein air painting? Very demure. Very mindful. Jean Sanchirico of BayWood Artists enjoyed a windy spring day at Mount Diablo State Park to create this beautiful chalk pastel piece. Join us for BayWood Artists 2024 show from September 27-29 in the Bay Area. Don't miss the chance to see and purchase unique California State Parks artworks—every sale supports the important work of Parks California. Very cutesy! Artist Reception: Friday, Sept. 27, 6-8 PM Gallery Open: Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM-4 PM Marin Art and Garden Center Ross, CA #ParksForEveryone #demure #natureart #pleinairpainting

Exciting News! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce a transition in Park California’s Board leadership. Deanna Mackey, a dedicated board member since 2021 and Vice Chair since 2022, has been elected as our new Board Chair! 🎉 Deanna takes on Board leadership from Stephen Lockhart, M.D. PhD, our founding Board Chair, who will continue to serve on our board. We’re also welcoming other new officers including Michael Mantell, new Vice Chair; Jose Gonzalez, M.S; the ongoing Treasurer, and Rosie Clayburn, new Secretary. This transition marks the next chapter in our five-year history, and we’re grateful for Dr. Lockhart’s visionary leadership and excited about the future with Deanna’s guidance. To learn more about this leadership change and what it means for Parks California, check out our full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gy4wmHXD Photos: Deanna Mackey with Parks CA staff and leadership and California State Parks partners Deanna Mackey Dr. Stephen Lockhart #ParksCalifornia #ParksForEveryone

Route to Parks grant applications are open until August 28 at 5 pm! For any questions that you may want to discuss, we are hosting one more Community Office Hour August 21 from 10 to 11 am. This is a great opportunity to ask Parks California staff about any project or grant-related questions. To sign up, please select an available time here: https://lnkd.in/g4p4DtfP. If you prefer to email, you can reach us at [email protected]. DON’T FORGET! Applicants are required to discuss the proposed project with CA State Parks staff in the District where programming is proposed. These early conversations can help inform your on-site activities and resources needed. Due to the busy summer season, we recommend reaching out ASAP. See the grant timeline, FAQs, and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gyurHDSi

🌲✨ Attention Santa Cruz Community! ✨🌲 Join us on Wednesday, August 21 at 6 pm, at the Live Oak Community Center, located at the Simpkins Family Swim Center, for an important open house meeting hosted by California State Parks. This is your chance to dive into the Big Basin Facilities Management Plan—explore design alternatives, share your feedback, and help shape the future of our beloved park. Your voice matters! Can’t make it? No worries! The online surveys are open until Friday, August 23. 📝 Click here to take part: bit.ly/BBFMPrebuilding and bit.ly/BBFMPalts. Spread the word! #SantaCruz #ParksForEveryone #CaliforniaStateParks

There is still time to apply for the Route to Parks Grant Program!   The deadline is two weeks away on August 28 at 5 pm. Do you know an organization that can coordinate transportation to California State Parks? Share our Route to Parks Grant program with them. We have office hours each week, FAQs, and a resource hub. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gyurHDSi #ParksForEveryone #CAStateParks #RouteToParks

There is still time to apply for the Route to Parks Grant Program!   The deadline is two weeks away on August 28 at 5 pm. Do you know an organization that can coordinate transportation to California State Parks? Share our Route to Parks Grant program with them. We have office hours each week, FAQs, and a resource hub. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gyurHDSi #ParksForEveryone #CAStateParks #RouteToParks