PARTNERSHIPS

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.

PROGRAMS

Concessions

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 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.

Qualified organizations may operate:

• The majority of a park unit with minimal involvement and oversight by Department staff.
• A portion of a park unit, sharing clearly delineated 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.