To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Mike Wilson
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
AB 2975 (Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife): State Parks Community Access Agreements Pilot Program Letter of Support (Supervisor Mike Wilson)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the chair to sign the letter of support.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
AB 2975 authorizes the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Park) to enter into community access agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations that provide interpretive and visitor services for underserved populations at State Park properties.
State Park's mission is protecting California's most valued natural and cultural resources to create opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation for all Californians. However, not all Californians have historically enjoyed the same access to public parks and beaches. Systemic barriers persist in keeping communities of color, persons with disabilities, and other groups out of public parks and beaches.
Currently, community-based nonprofit organizations seeking to provide programming on State Park property must apply for a special event permit. The existing special event permitting and fee system, created to regulate large-scale special events, is not adequate for supporting ongoing equity-focused programs whose goals are strongly aligned with the State Parks' mission.
AB 2975 creates a permissive new tool that allows State Park's the ability to enter into community access agreements with qualified nonprofits, as defined, and requires State Parks to report to the Legislature on the implementation of these agreements. This pilot program would sunset on January 1, 2028, and would apply to all State Park units and beaches.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board's Strategic Framework by providing community-appropriate levels of service.
OTHER...
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