SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed 2024-25 budget has California State Park Foundation officials 'extremely concerned' as the foundation's Library Park Pass program could be on the chopping block.
“We are extremely concerned about the Governor’s proposal to end this highly effective and popular program providing free access to California state parks,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. “The California State Library Parks Pass is critical to our state’s goal of a healthier, more equitable California for All.”
Since being first launched by Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom in 2022, 33,000 California State Library Park Passes have been distributed to more than 1,100 public libraries statewide. The passes gave library card holders free vehicle day-use entry to more than 200 state parks.
“Admission fees or parking charges can be financially burdensome for many residents, particularly those with lower incomes,” said Norton.
Regardless of the proposed budget, the popular California State Park Adventure Pass and Golden Bear Pass program will continue.
These initiatives were launched with a three-year pilot program and $9.1 million in funding in the 2021-2022 state budget —Newsom's proposed budget for 2024-25 is $291 billion.
