Welcome

California State Parks play an active role in our lives; they are animated protagonists in our stories. They house our culture, our weddings, birthdays, family reunions, vacations, and anniversaries. They play the role of jester, companion, confidant, adversary, business partner, and friend.

These parks embedded themselves into my psyche at a very early age. They play an active role in my imagination, memories, present, and future. The pending closure of 70 of our parks struck me with an awful force.

To lose so many; to see so many lose their livelihoods; to lose access to these places that educate, accompany, and support us throughout our lives is tragic. The passionate response of fellow park lovers told me that I am not alone in this feeling.

In acknowledgment of this collective loss and to honor the dedicated men and women (both staff and volunteers) who work to maintain these places for the people of California, I decided to bear witness to each one of these 70 State Parks by traveling to each one and collecting and sharing the stories of the staff, volunteers, visitors, and local community.

It is my hope that this effort will help bring a public voice and awareness to the vitality California State Parks bring to the people of California