ASSEMBLYMEMBER MARC LEVINE TALKS CA STATE PARKS TRANSFORMATION
by The Parks Now Team
On Oct. 13, we caught up with Assemblymember Marc Levine to discuss newly passed legislation that will help better connect Californians with state parks. With the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in the background, Assemblymember Levine joined Senator Fran Pavely, other local legislators, organizations and students to celebrate the signing of the new legislation and re-imagine the future of state parks.
Sparked by the release of the Parks Forward commission’s recommendations in February, California State Parks are finally undergoing a much needed transformation process to ensure our parks meet the needs of an increasingly urban, diverse, and young California. The two bills make it easier for state parks to partner with organizations for funding and programming to creatively bring in new communities to the outdoors.
New legislation is just the first step and we hope to see tangible changes on the ground in the next year that take advantage of the new opportunities it provides.
There is much work left to be done. The Parks Forward recommendations detail a visionary roadmap for change, and Californians must pay attention. As Assemblymember Levine says in the video, we need all hands on deck to make California’s parks inviting to the changing face of of our state. That means we need everyone, from the Governor, state legislature, and community organizations to keep the spotlight on this unique opportunity to make our parks a resource for health and recreation for all Californians.