Press Releases

Displaying 11 - 20 of 378 Press Releases

More Open Space Transferred to California State Parks’ Jack London State Historic Park

ELDRIDGE, Calif.— California State Parks and the California Department of General Services (DGS) today announced the transfer of Camp Via in Sonoma County to State Parks. Located on the former campus of the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), the approximately 11.4-acre Camp Via is the final piece of the former SDC that will be incorporated with Jack London State Historic Park. With the previous transfer of approximately 650 acres from the SDC, the total number of approximate acres added to the park is 661 acres.

Construction of 22 Additional Bike Turnouts to Start June 3, at Mount Diablo State Park

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks, in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation, Mount Diablo Cyclists, and community donors, will start construction on Monday, June 3, on 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park (SP). Once completed, these 22 new turnouts will bring the total turnouts in the park to 67. Turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely.

California State Parks Begins General Planning Process for Great Valley Grasslands State Park

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks today announced the department is developing a comprehensive General Plan for Great Valley Grasslands State Park (GVGSP). This initiative marks a pivotal step toward guiding the park's long-range management, operations, and recreational development. The General Plan aims to enhance visitor experiences, address resource management and infrastructure needs, and incorporate public input into decisions shaping the park's future direction.

California State Parks Encourages Visitors to Recreate Safely and Responsibly During Memorial Day Weekend

SACRAMENTO, Calif.– California State Parks invites Californians and visitors from around the world to recreate responsibly during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest outdoor holiday weekends of the year. California’s diverse landscape has recreational activities for everyone, from swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans to hiking among giant redwoods or sequoias to off-highway vehicle riding in deserts and mountains to camping along the coastline. Following simple safety precautions, such as wearing a properly fitted life jacket or proper riding gear, avoiding alcohol, and knowing one’s limits while engaged in aquatic activities, can help save lives. 

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Launches Summer Shuttle Service for Weekends, Holidays

BOULDER CREEK, Calif. — Just in time for the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks announced today that access to Big Basin Redwoods State Park will increase this summer with the addition of a free pilot shuttle program, a new interim parking area, and weekend Santa Cruz METRO bus service to the park.

Celebrate National Safe Boating Week May 18 – 24

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is inviting new and experienced boating enthusiasts to celebrate National Safe Boating Week from May 18-24, 2024. This week is a time to emphasize the importance of responsible boating practices and water safety awareness as boaters head out to California’s waterways during Memorial Day weekend. As boaters across the country gear up for the summer season of adventure, the U.S. Coast Guard and DBW are sharing the top seven tips for safe and enjoyable boating experiences.

California State Parks Starts General Planning Process for El Capitán and Refugio State Beaches and Gaviota State Park

SACRAMENTO, Calif., — California State Parks announced today that it is developing a comprehensive General Plan update for the future of El Capitán and Refugio State Beaches (SB), and Gaviota State Park (SP) in Santa Barbara County. This General Plan update will include recommendations for protecting significant resources, modernizing park infrastructure, adapting to climate change impacts, and providing sustainable recreational opportunities for all visitors.

California’s Newest State Park, Dos Rios, to Open June 12 in the San Joaquin Valley  

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks in partnership with Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency are excited to announce on this Earth Day that California will open its newest state park in the San Joaquin Valley on Wednesday, June 12. The opening day coincides with the launch of the Third Annual State Parks Week June 12-16. This year’s theme is “This is Where You Live” which is befitting for the opening of Dos Rios.