Aligning Vision with Policy
Parks Now members are committed to equitable investments in resources for parks and open spaces throughout California. Parks Now members work in communities of color, and under-served communities that lack access to parks, and open spaces. Parks Now engages member organizations with decision-makers, providing a unique voice for parks through an inclusive lens. Parks Now brings news voices to the state capitol and promotes investment in parks to increase community safety, health and environmental justice. Parks Now has played a significant role in the passage of key parks policies that advance our goal of equitable access to parks, the coast and public lands.
Connecting with Decisionmakers
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia discusses Parks Roundtable Listening Sessions
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia discusses what we learned while traveling throughout California during our Parks Roundtable Listening Sessions with the Parks Now Coalition.
Stockton
Led by Fathers and Families of San Joaquin and Asm. Susan Eggman in partnership with City of Stockton, California Conservation Corps, local youth, neighbors, and community members.
Los Angeles
Led by Our Parks and Parks Now coalition members Trust for Public Land, API Forward Movement, Community Nature Connection, Nature for All, From Lot to Spot, and LA Neighborhood Land Trust.
Richmond
Led by Pogo Park, Asm. Thurmond and Parks Now Members Outdoor Afro, Children's Defense Fund, Greenlining Institute, YMCA Presidio, and Oakland Children's Hospital.
Legislative Informational Briefings
Parks Now has partnered with the Legislative Latino, Black and Asian Pacific Islander Caucuses to convene informational briefings at the state capitol focused on parks and their significance to communities of color.
Photos of Capitol Briefing – February 2017
(Outdoor Outreach, Latino Outdoors, FFSJ, Azul, UCLA, Greenling Institute, and more)
Photos of Capitol Briefing – May 2016
(Fresno BHC, Policy Link, Outdoor Afro, Pogo Park, UCLA, and more)
Supporting Diverse Voices and Experiences
Parks Now coalition members are active on social media and connect to a wider audience through innovative digital channels.
Duarte Transit to the Trails
Following the extension of the Metro Gold line, Duarte city officials realized the opportunity to improve access to their nearby trails and implemented a free shuttle service in April 2016. This free service provides both hikers and outdoor enthusiasts easy access to the Fish Canyon Falls Trail and the greater San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
Race to the Beach
How long does it take to get to the beach on public transport? We set out to find out.
Latino Outdoors
Showcasing significance of the earth and nature to the Latino community and communities of color as places to enjoy and share-in equally.
Coalition Members in Action
Silver Strand State Beach Event
On August 16th, coalition member Outdoor Outreach, hosted an overnight camping trip to Silver Strand State Beach with youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Imperial Valley. For most youth, it was their first time camping and their first time at the beach.
Pogo Park
Pogo Park in Richmond, CA, has revitalized an area plagued by high rates of poverty, unemployment, violence and limited opportunities for children into a neighborhood oasis. Built for the community, by the community, Pogo Park and Elm Playlot showcase the transformative power of parks.
Bridge to Beach
Outdoor Outreach, in collaboration with the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego and San Diego Junior Lifeguards, hosted more than 40 San Diego teens at “Bridge to Beach,” for a day of aquatic safety and activities including kayaking, surfing and stand up paddle boarding.