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State parks, lands and recreation programs: $190M for park development and multi-year deferred-maintenance plan in administration proposal
Summary
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 reviewed the administration—s outdoor access spending plan under Proposition 4, with proposals for park development grants, deferred maintenance and new programs to expand recreation, education and trail access.
The subcommittee heard the administration—s plan for the —outdoor access— chapter of Proposition 4, including proposals to fund new park projects in underserved communities, deferred maintenance at state parks and a range of new programs focused on recreation access, nature education and land protection.
Armando Quintero, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, told the panel the administration is proposing $190,000,000 in 2025–26 for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. Based on historical averages the administration estimates that level of funding could support roughly 48 park projects in underserved communities. For the State Parks deferred maintenance program the proposal includes $84,400,000 in 2025–26 with additional project funding across later years to address priority maintenance needs.
Quintero said the department expects the climate bond funding will help bridge gaps for close-to-home parks and enable projects that improve access and visitor experience; he cited examples such as the Pigeon Point Lighthouse restoration that are already underway following prior deferred maintenance allocations.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (Valerie Termini) described a multiyear request to improve visitor amenities and access on department lands (restrooms, trail maintenance and interpretive signage) and summarized recent investments totaling roughly $111,000,000 over the past five years. The Natural Resources Agency (Brian Cash) outlined new proposed programs in the bond to expand outdoor recreation in disadvantaged communities, protect and restore natural resource values in state parks and fund Nature, Climate Education and Research facilities.
The Legislative Analyst—s Office told the committee that many of the parks proposals build on existing programs and therefore the administration proposes much of the funding in the early years of the bond; the LAO cautioned that several smaller, newly conceived programs under the chapter will require the legislature to weigh in on program design and said the committee may want to request administration plans before those funds are allocated.
Committee members asked whether shifting general fund duties to climate bond funds would disrupt ongoing wildfire-resilience work and whether the agencies plan public engagement for program development; agency officials said bond funds would allow continued project work while acknowledging the legislature—s interest in having input on out-year allocations. Members also asked about park policing vacancies and recruitment; Parks officials described recent recruitment improvements and a graduating cadet class, but members signaled continued interest in staffing and public-safety funding.
