Given the facts referred to below, as quoted from various sources, the reasoning behind the parks closure proposal is obscure, at best. It “saves” money only in the very short term, sacrificing the significant rural economic benifits, and, some fear, may open a crack into which the privatization wedge may driven. Check out the sources below and tell the world what YOU think.

Research Shows 98% of Californian Households Visit a Park Once a Year 

Source; http://www.cprs.org/

For the past year, CPRS undertook a public opinion research study to determine how the public values parks and recreation. This research was in support of CPRS’ interest in branding parks and recreation as an essential community service. This research, combined with previous work conducted by CPRS, will be the foundation for development of a brand promise for parks and recreation in California. That expression of what our profession promises will be supported by messages and slogans that CPRS members may use in their communications and marketing efforts toward the objective of communicating why the discipline of parks and recreation is an essential community service. To learn more about the research project and its findings, click here.

Will California’s state parks really close?

If you are an outdoors person and read the news today … oh boy. 

Source; http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/will-californias-sta-1208/

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed state park closures and lifeguard reductions at state beaches to balance a proposed $141-billion spending budget for 2008-09 target some of the state’s most beloved and beautiful sites.

The plan targets 48 state parks and would reduce lifeguards at 16 state beaches (and close one, Manchester State Beach north of San Francisco), including many San Diego and Orange county beaches.

On the list for proposed closure are Montaña de Oro State Park in Morro Bay (above), Mount San Jacinto State Park, Salton Sea State Recreational Area, La Purisima Mission State Historic Park near Lompoc and — closer to home — Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park in Los Angeles.

Click here for a complete list of possible park closures and lifeguard reductions.

Photo of a Giant Sequoia Redwood courtesy of California State Parks

California State Parks series

Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget cuts have created statewide concern over the fate of 220 state beaches, parks, and reserves. The Sierra foothills community of Calaveras County is no exception.

Local residents are distressed about what the potential closure of Big Trees State Park would do, not only to local tourism, but to a much more precious natural treasure – the ancient giant redwood groves. The state park protects the trees and shares them with thousands of people from communities near and far.

The current proposal would put the park in “caretaker status” meaning that it would be closed to the public. Translation – restrooms would be closed, there would be no trashcans or services of any kind. All other activities in the park such as park programs would cease.

According to Gary Olson, Supervising Ranger of Big Trees, should the park be forced to shutdown, “they would still protect the facilities with a couple of on-staff rangers.”

The state park system was not designed to be a revenue-generating machine. Parks such as Big Trees have been able to offset some of their expenses in an effort to recoup costs, but few parks have major attractions that either sustain or generate enough revenue.

Olson agrees, “Local communities would suffer [from the park closure].  For every dollar spent from the General Fund to support state parks, $2.35 comes back in tourism.”

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