Public Health Fact Sheet
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California's 278 state parks are priceless public assets, important economic engines, much-needed recreational outlets and a vital legacy for our children and grandchildren. Chronic underfunding is starving state parks, causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down. Last year, nearly 150 state parks were shut down part‐time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year.
A statewide ballot measure, slated for November, has been prepared that will establish a dedicated and reliable funding stream for state parks and natural resources to ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come. In exchange for free year-round day-use admission to California's state parks and beaches, Californians will pay an $18 fee as part of the annual vehicle license fee (except for larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers) to support state parks.
State Parks' Recreational Opportunities Can Improve California's Health
| California’s state parks can play a significant role in improving the health and well-being of the Golden State’s residents. In a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, researchers found a positive correlation between access to environmental resources and physical activity. The nearly 1.5 million acres of state parkland includes 3,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and some of the most popular beaches in California. State parks are located in all areas of the state, including in many urban communities. |
| According to an American Recreation Coalition survey, nine out of ten people who engaged in outdoor recreation expressed satisfaction with their personal health and fitness. Without the dedicated, reliable source of funding provided by the 2010 State Parks measure, residents could lose the state parks as a resource for outdoor exercise and recreation, something health experts say Californians sorely need. |
Access to State Parks Can Help Reduce Obesity & Reduce Public Spending on Health Care
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According to state officials, California is suffering from an obesity epidemic. In fact, one third of our children, one in four teens and more than half of all California adults are overweight or obese. Protecting and expanding the people’s access to California’s state parks has the potential to improve public health, lower mortality rates and reduce public spending on health care. |
More General Fund Dollars Available For Health Services With New Funding Plan For State Parks
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With a new dedicated revenue stream in place, more than $130 million of General Fund dollars – that provide a portion of overall state park funding – will now be available for other vital needs, like health care, social services, education and public safety. |
Broad Coalition Supporting the State Parks Measure
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Supporters of this initiative include California Nurses Association, California Action for Healthy Kids, Public Health Institute, California Public Health Association-North, Southern California Public Health Association, Prevention Institute, California School Health Centers Association, Sierra Club California, Surfrider Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, California State Lifeguard Association, Audubon California and the California State Parks Foundation. Join the effort to save California’s state parks today! |
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