California State Parks Awards $548.3 Million in Grants to Create Local New Parks Across California as Part of Newsom Administration’s “Outdoors for All” Initiative

For Immediate Release: 12/8/2021

Contact:
Gloria Sandoval
[email protected]

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-California State Parks today announced $548.3 million in grant funding to deliver new parks to more than 100 communities and advance the Newsom Administration's "Outdoors for All" initiative to enable all Californians, regardless of zip code or income, to access parks and open space.

Awarded through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, today's grants represent the single-largest investment in state history in expanding access to parks in underserved communities, with new or enhanced parks funded in every region of California.

The complete list and map showing locations of the 112 projects receiving grant awards can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/spp.

"People from all over the world come to visit our state's natural wonders, but too many Californians today lack access to parks and open space in their own neighborhoods," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "This historic investment will revitalize and create new parks in more than 100 local communities, dramatically expanding access to the outdoors across the state and ensuring more Californians from all walks of life can reap the benefits for our hearts, minds and bodies for generations to come."

"California State Parks is incredibly proud to announce grant funding for projects that will improve access to parks and open space and contribute to a better quality of life for so many Californians," said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "Many of these projects will become a source of community pride, thanks to neighborhood residents, local park agencies and non-profit organizations who worked together to design vibrant parks reflecting each community's unique needs and creativity."

"These funding awards are a huge deal for Californians. Creating new parks across the state - including in many communities currently without adequate outdoor public space - will make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young people and all residents," said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. "It's one more way the Governor and Legislature are working to improve the lives of all Californians."

Today's awards are funded by $153 million approved by the Legislature in the 2021-'22 state budget and $395.3 from the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68). To date, the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program has provided $1.16 billion to California's communities in four rounds, including $368 million in grant funding from Proposition 84 (2006 Bond Act) Sustainable Communities and Climate Change Reduction program.

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California State Parks 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.

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