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Parks California Opens Applications for 2027 Route to Parks Grants

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California today invited community and tribal organizations throughoutthe state to apply for the 2027 Route to Parks Grants. The program will award approximately $1.1 million to help more people in underserved communities experience California’s state parks, the largest and most diverse state park system in the nation. Route to Parks supports the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All Initiative by helping reduce barriers for communities that have historically faced challenges accessing nature and outdoor recreation.

June 02, 2026 Read the Full News Release

California State Parks Seeks Public Input on $188.5 Million Grant Program to Expand Park Access

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks today is inviting the public to provide feedback on the draft application guide for a $188.5 million competitive grant program aimed at expanding access to parks and recreational opportunities in underserved communities throughout California. The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), now in its fifth round, supports the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All initiative by providing funding to help communities create new parks, improve existing parks and build more outdoor spaces where people can play, exercise, gather and connect with nature.

May 27, 2026 Read the Full News Release

California State Parks and Parks California Award $2.4M in Career Pathways Grants to Prepare Next Generation of Park Leaders

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California today announced the award of more than $2.4 million to 13 community and tribal organizations across the state as part of the Career Pathways grants program. The funding will support paid training opportunities expected to prepare approximately 380 participants for careers in parks and public lands and includes seven returning grantees and six new partners.

May 21, 2026 Read the Full News Release

Summer Shuttle Service Returns to Big Basin Redwoods State Park for Weekends and Holidays

BOULDER CREEK — California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks are pleased to announce the return of the shuttle program at Big Basin Redwoods State Park for summer weekends and holidays in 2026, beginning this Saturday, May 23, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Building on the success of the shuttle service pilot program during the summers of 2024 and 2025, the program offers increased access during park redevelopment activities following the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

May 18, 2026 Big Basin Redwoods SP Read the Full News Release

California State Parks Welcomes Visitors to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend Safely and Responsibly

SACRAMENTO — As the unofficial start of summer kicks off, California State Parks invites Californians and visitors from around the world to enjoy Memorial Day weekend safely and responsibly. Whether you’re catching the waves at Crystal Cove State Park, riding the sandy hills at Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area or hiking under the giant sequoia groves at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California’s 280 state parks offer a diverse array of activities for visitors eager to celebrate the holiday.

May 18, 2026 Read the Full News Release

California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans, Active Duty and Reserve Military Members on Memorial Day

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans and active duty and reserve military members by offering free admission to 145 participating state parks on Memorial Day – Monday, May 25. The full list of participating parks can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2026.

May 14, 2026 Read the Full News Release

Get on Board: Your Safety Starts with SMART Habits During National Safe Boating Week

SACRAMENTO — As the 2026 boating season begins, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding Californians to prioritize safety on the water during National Safe Boating Week (May 15–22).

May 14, 2026 Division of Boating and Waterways, Boat California, Safety Tips Read the Full News Release