Newsroom | California State Parks

California State Parks Pilot Program Partners with Nonprofits to Improve Access to Outdoor Spaces

SAN DIEGO/SANTA CRUZ — California State Parks and nonprofit partners are opening new doors for underserved communities to connect with nature through a first-of-its-kind pilot program in San Diego and Santa Cruz counties. The pilot program aims at breaking down barriers to parks and outdoor recreationwith eligible nonprofit and tribal organizations to provide free access along with interpretive and visitor services in state parks. California State Parks has signed Community Access Agreements with nonprofits Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks, and Outdoor Outreach and Un Mar de Colores, both based in San Diego, on this groundbreaking model designed to make outdoor recreation and education more equitable and accessible for all.

October 22, 2026 Read the Full News Release

More than $2.8 Million Awarded to 33 Community Organizations for Arts in California Parks

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks, the California Arts Council and Parks California today announced $2.8 million in grants to 33 organizations statewide as part of the Arts in California Parks partnership. The five-year pilot initiative has invested more than $8.2 million to support 94 organizations and more than 300 community arts events across California parks. The grants enable culture bearers, tribes and local and nonprofit organizations to create accessible community art experiences in parks, with the goal of fostering creativity, honoring cultural heritage and strengthening community connections. In 2025, nearly 79,000 people participated in Arts in California Parks events – with 40% of event participants visiting their local park for the first time.

October 20, 2026 Arts in California Parks Read the Full News Release

California State Parks Provides Update on Coastal Storm Damage and Recovery Efforts at State Parks and Beaches in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY — California State Parks continues emergency response, cleanup and infrastructure repairs to Crystal Cove State Park (SP), Doheny State Beach (SB) and San Onofre SB following significant coastal erosion, flooding and damage caused by recent large surf and elevated tides from Tropical Storm Rachel and Kelvin waves.

October 15, 2026 Crystal Cove SP, Doheny SB, San Onofre SB Read the Full News Release

Multiple California Regions to Host Free Marine Flare Collection Events in October 2026

SACRAMENTO – California boaters will be able to safely dispose of their expired marine flares at various locations across the state this month for free.

October 15, 2026 Division of Boating and Waterways Read the Full News Release

Park Agencies Establish Coordinated Closure Protocol for Red Flag Warnings in the Santa Monica Mountains

THOUSAND OAKS – California State Parks, the National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority have established a coordinated protocol for closing parklands during National Weather Service (NWS) red flag warnings in the Santa Monica Mountains. A coordinated effort will be in effect starting tomorrow, Oct. 15, as the NWS is issuing a Red Flag Warning for Thursday morning through Friday night, with the potential for an extension on Saturday.

October 14, 2026 Topanga SP, Malibu Creek SP, Leo Carrillo SP, Point Mugu SP, Will Rogers SHP, Santa Susana Pass SHP Read the Full News Release

California State Parks Temporarily Closes Parts of Crystal Cove State Park and San Onofre State Beach Due to Damage from High Surf and Coastal Erosion

ORANGE COUNTY – California State Parks has temporarily closed portions of Crystal Cove State Park (SP) and San Onofre State Beach (SB) following significant coastal erosion and infrastructure damage caused by recent high tides and large surf from Tropical Storm Rachel. These closures are necessary as the storm is expected to peak over the weekend and to protect public safety, prevent further damage to park facilities, and allow crews to conduct emergency repairs.

October 09, 2026 Crystal Cove SP, San Onofre SB Read the Full News Release

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Reopen Oct. 16 Following Timber Fire

BIG SUR —California State Parks will reopen Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to the public on Friday, Oct. 16, after the park was temporarily closed during the Timber Fire, which burned approximately 517 acres within the park, including many of its trails.

October 09, 2026 Pfeiffer Big Sur SP Read the Full News Release