A California State Parks program that provides low-income and underserved residents free state park access is on the chopping block as the state Legislature seeks to reduce a $12 billion budget deficit.
The California State Library Parks Pass is a state-funded program that allows library card holders to borrow park passes from their local library, providing them free access to over 200 participating state parks. Passes are returned to the library by a set date just like a borrowed book.
The program was created by Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom as part of their California for All program, which seeks to provide opportunities to underserved communities across the state. The program is managed by the California State Library in conjunction with California State Parks.
The California State Parks Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the state’s park system through lobbying, fundraising, volunteering, and programming, says that the program has loaned 38,000 passes through 1,100 public libraries across the state since its launch in 2021.
A 2023 foundation survey reports that 63% of the program participants cited cost as the primary barrier for visiting state parks. Day-use fees at state parks average $5 to $35 per vehicle. At face value, the pass would cost around $195 to purchase.
Program increased equity and access
Of the survey respondents, nearly 70% reported household incomes below $60,000 and over 63% identify as people of color.
The survey also reported that 90% of participants planned to visit parks more than seven times a year thanks to the pass.
Now the program is set to end on Dec. 31 as the state Legislature works to reduce the state’s deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
“Cutting funding for this program sends the wrong message about California’s commitment to equity in outdoor access,” said Rachel Norton, the foundation’s executive director. “The California State Library Parks Pass is a proven and well-used program that’s reaching the people it was created to serve. Ending it now would waste years of investment and undermine meaningful progress in expanding access to nature.”
“The California State Library Parks Pass is a proven and well-used program that’s reaching the people it was created to serve. Ending it now would … undermine meaningful progress in expanding access to nature.” Rachel Norton, California State Parks Foundation
While the library pass program is slated to be cut, two programs also funded by the state, the California State Park Adventure Pass for fourth graders and the Golden Bear Pass for income-eligible households, will continue.
The foundation is asking residents to contact their legislators to demand that the California State Library Parks Pass funding is restored.
More information about the program cuts can be found online.