SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 22, 2020 – The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) is seeking public feedback on draft guidelines for $46.2 million in grants to create and improve recreational opportunities in rural communities. Input from the public will help State Parks establish two new statewide grant programs – the Rural Recreation and Tourism Program and the Regional Park Program – in support of providing equitable access to all Californians. 

Parks are unique places where children play, people exercise, families and friends bond, seniors socialize, cultures share and celebrate their differences, and everyone connects with nature. These competitive grant programs were made possible through the passage of Proposition 68: California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, the state’s largest investment in grant-funding history targeted for underserved communities in California. The bond measure also authorized funds for aging infrastructure, amenities and improvements to parks that will help attract new and diverse visitors.

The Regional Park Program will create, expand and improve regional parks and facilities across California. The Rural Recreation and Tourism Program will create new recreation opportunities in support of economic and health-related goals in rural communities across California. Projects for this program must be located in non-urbanized counties with populations of fewer than 500,000 people and low population densities per square mile. A total of $23.1 million is available for each new program.

The second round of public comment is now open until 5 p.m. July 7, 2020. The “Draft Application Guidelines” are available electronically upon request by contacting the following individuals:

Public comment may be submitted via email to the Program Supervisor listed above or via mail to the following address:       

California Dept. of Parks and Recreation      
Office of Grants and Local Services      
Attn: Richard Rendon or Natalie Bee      
P.O. Box 942896      
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

Following the second comment period, State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) will finalize the draft guidelines and announce an application deadline for both programs. Application workshops will be scheduled and announced at least five months before the application due date.

The latest versions of the “Draft Application Guidelines” incorporate feedback received from the public during the initial public comment period (Sept. 1, 2019 – Nov. 29, 2019). Public feedback during this process is instrumental in developing successful grant programs. 

Since 1965, more than 7,400 parks throughout California have been created or improved through grant programs administered by OGALS. For more information on the Prop. 68 Statewide Park Program and other grant programs, visit www.parks.ca.gov/grants.   

California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.