California's State Library Park Pass Program Renewed Amid Budget Challenges

Californians can continue to access state parks for free by borrowing passes from their local libraries, thanks to the renewal of a state program.

2 minute read

June 26, 2024, 11:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


The state library park pass program in California has been renewed for another year, allowing residents to borrow passes from local libraries to access state parks for free. This decision comes despite the looming $45 billion budget deficit for fiscal year 2025. The program, which began two years ago, was saved thanks to the efforts of advocates who campaigned for its continuation. The renewed funding of $6.75 million will allow over 200 state parks to remain accessible to library cardholders, offering free parking for vehicles with up to nine occupants.

The initiative has been praised for its positive impact on low-income families and communities of color, making outdoor recreation more accessible to those who might not afford the usual entry fees. Rachel Norton, the executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, commended the legislature and the governor for restoring full funding to the program. Library officials, like Amy Boese from Merced County, highlighted the program's role in making family adventures achievable and promoting equity in access to California's natural beauty.

The popularity of the program is evident, with high demand for passes in various counties. For example, Orange County public libraries loaned out nearly 10,000 passes in the last year, while San Francisco libraries saw over 2,500 checkouts since the program's inception. Libraries have also developed additional services around the passes, such as educational programming and lending out backpacks with nature guides and binoculars. Boese emphasizes that the program aligns with libraries' mission to foster lifelong learning through both reading and experiences, ensuring that libraries are gateways to broader educational and recreational opportunities.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM