State park system: community access agreements.
If enacted, AB 2804 will empower community organizations to facilitate access and promote engagement in state parks among populations that may otherwise be excluded due to socioeconomic factors, geographic barriers, or other challenges. The legislation would encourage the Department of Parks and Recreation to utilize partnerships with eligible entities to deliver tailored services, thereby increasing the visibility and usability of state parks among diverse communities. This may lead to improved public health through increased outdoor activity and strengthened community ties to their natural environment.
Assembly Bill 2804, introduced by Assembly Member Rendon, aims to amend Section 5009.5 of the Public Resources Code concerning community access agreements within California's state parks system. The bill seeks to enhance access for underserved populations by allowing eligible entities, such as nonprofit public benefit corporations and Native American tribes, to provide interpretive and visitor services that focus on connecting these populations with natural, cultural, and historical resources. The intention is to ensure that groups facing barriers to accessing state parks can engage in outdoor recreation and education programs that the Department of Parks and Recreation typically does not provide.
The bill also includes provisions for financial arrangements, allowing eligible entities to retain any revenues generated from the services provided under these agreements. It establishes a pilot project that will evaluate the effectiveness of these arrangements over a period not exceeding five years, with a report due to the Legislature by December 31, 2028. A key point of contention may arise around the specific definition of 'underserved park users' and how it is interpreted, which could affect the distribution of resources and support to local communities.