PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships Office

 

The Partnerships Division envisions a thriving system of partnerships in the California State Parks System through mutual cooperation that engages outstanding private, public, and volunteer services to provide recreation benefits for all while protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources consistent with the Department’s mission.

The mission of the Partnerships Division is to support park operations to empower, inspire, and strengthen public and private partners to create, promote, sustain, and expand visitor services to California’s diverse population.


Nonprofit Partnerships Study!

Parks California in collaboration with the State Parks, the California State Parks Foundation, and California league of Park Associations, and representatives from the nonprofit community developed the California State Parks Nonprofit Partnership Study which helps build a broad understanding of the contributions of cooperating associations, nonprofit operators and co-managers, and other nonprofit donors and program partners supporting state parks across California.

To read the study and learn you can download the study here: Creating Impact: Nonprofit Partnerships Study


Programs

brannan islandConcessions

The purpose of the Concessions Program is to seek involvement and assistance from private and public-sector entities, where appropriate, to provide quality services, programs, and facilities that enhance the convenience, enjoyment, education, and recreational experiences of State Park visitors.


Cooperating Associations

Non-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing the Department's services to park visitors.


Donors

Individuals, organizations or corporations who contribute to funding park services/units.


Operation & Co-Management of Parks

Pursuant to California Public Resources Code §5080.42 and §5080.30, qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or government municipalities may enter into agreements with the Department to develop, improve, restore, care, maintain, manage, or operate park units. These agreements include:

Operation agreements: Qualified organizations operate the majority of a park unit with minimal involvement and oversight by Department staff.

Co-management agreements: Qualified organizations operate a portion of a park unit, sharing operational and financial roles and responsibilities for the park unit with the Department. 


Proud Partners

Organizations and/or corporations that partner with the Department to provide funding to support and enhance visitor services.


Volunteers in Parks

Volunteers are vital to California's State Parks. The first volunteers served over 100 years ago and worked hard to preserve our most treasured places, and teach the public about their value. Today, the program has grown to nearly 37,000 volunteers who donated over one million hours of time in 2013. They assist staff in countless ways, in nearly all of California's State Parks. Click here to learn how to become a California State Parks Volunteer.

 

Partnership Events

Engaging in Partnerships 2023

We are thankful for everyone who participated in our recent Engaging in Partnerships training. It was a great success thanks to all of our dedicated staff and partners.

Visit the Engaging in Partnerships 2023 page for session descriptions and presentations 

 

 


 

 

State of California Natural Resources Agency
Department of Parks and Recreation
Attn: Partnerships Division
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Partnerships@parks.ca.gov