Californians can once again get access to hundreds of the state’s parks for free through at least December 2025 after the state legislature restored a popular program.
The Library Parks Pass Program allows Californians with valid library cards to check out a park pass from their local library to be used for a single-vehicle entry at more than 200 state parks, beaches and recreation areas.
Cardholders can check out a pass and visit as many as 54 state parks throughout the year, free of charge.
The program was a victim of budget cuts earlier this year, according to supporters, including the California State Parks Foundation.
But a grassroots effort to secure funding for at least another year saw more than 5,000 letters sent to legislators urging them to protect the program, officials from the nonprofit organization said.
The California legislature has since set aside $6.75 million of its upcoming budget to fund the program through the end of 2025. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to approve and sign the state’s budget proposal later this week.
“We commend the Legislature and Governor for reaching an agreement to restore full funding for this highly effective and popular program providing free access to California state parks,” said Rachel Norton, the California State Parks Foundation’s executive director. “The California State Library Parks Pass is critical to our state’s goal of a healthier, more equitable California for All.”
Norton said admission and parking fees can act as a barrier for Californians who want to visit the state’s boundless natural wonders, particularly those with lower incomes. This, Norton said, can prevent families from experiencing the “physical and mental health benefits, educational opportunities, and recreational activities that these spaces offer.”
The state has placed more than 33,000 park passes in more than 1,100 public libraries, and the program has proven to be very popular.
According to a survey conducted by the nonprofit organization, a majority of respondents, including many in lower income households and members of the BIPOC community, said cost of getting into a state park had previously been the main reason for not visiting.
“Thanks to the park pass program, a staggering 90% of respondents now plan to visit state parks over seven times a year,” the organization said in a news release.
For more information about the California State Library Parks Pass program, including a list of participating parks, click here.