California State Library Parks Pass now comes with additional gear to make visiting parks a positive and meaningful experience
"At REI, we believe that a life outside is a life well lived and we are thrilled to support the California State Library Parks Pass program to help enable more Californians to get outside and enjoy our beautiful state parks," said Haley Caruso, REI's Local Brand and Impact Manager.
“California libraries have led to healthy minds for Californians, and now they are opening doors to help cultivate healthy minds, bodies, and hearts. We’ve seen an overwhelming amount of interest in this program, and we intend to provide the advocacy and support needed to keep it sustainable,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation.
The 2021-22 State Budget included initiatives to advance equitable access to state parks and open spaces for all park visitors. The budget included a $9.1 million one-time General Fund investment to launch pilot programs to expand parks pass distribution. With the leadership of the Governor Gavin Newsom and California’s first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California is able to create innovative access programs for children, families, and others to explore state parks.
“Public outdoor spaces belong to all Californians for recreation, exploration and relaxation,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Thanks to the Newsom Administration, Natural Resources Agency, state legislators, and state departments, for making California a healthier state by providing free state park passes to Californians.”
- Prior to the introduction of the California State Library Parks Pass, 43% of respondents visited California state parks and beaches 1-2 times a year.
- For those that had never visited a California state park, 61% said the reason was the cost of the day-use fees.
- Now, thanks to the pass, 35% of respondents anticipate visiting California state parks 3-6 times a year and 44% of respondents anticipate visiting California state parks 7+ times a year.
- After checking out the parks pass, 80% of respondents are more likely to use other library resources and services.
“I really enjoyed taking part in the new program. I felt it opened up a very big door for families that have never visited any of the parks…it cuts back on a lot of time and cost…I will still be definitely participating in the library parks pass program, for as long as they will have it. It's a wonderful idea, and I hope it continues,” said one participant of the program.
“I have really enjoyed getting outside and visiting the parks in Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and the Bay Area. Thanks to this free program, I saved money and had fun. As a single mom, I really appreciate exploring the state, while staying within my budget,” said another participant.
To learn about California State Parks’ Outdoors for All Initiative, visit parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.
California State Parks Foundation is an independent, member-supported nonprofit that mobilizes a diverse network of Californians to be active champions for our state parks. At California State Parks Foundation, we believe that all Californians are essential to sustaining our state parks. Every day, we inform and inspire current and future generations of park champions, enabling them to be the passionate advocates our state parks need. Because when we build a movement of park supporters, we ensure the long-term sustainability of our incredible state park treasures. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, or Instagram and Twitter (@calparks).
About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 179 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.