California voters who value state parks say they are important to daily life, regardless of age, race, or income.
November 13, 2020 - Sacramento, CA. – At a time when COVID-19 has created significant hardships for many California families and increased demand for public lands, a new statewide pollreleased on Thursdayby California State Parks Foundationdemonstrates the importance of state parksto everyday life as places to enjoy with friends and family.
The poll, which surveyed registered voters throughout California between August and September of 2020, found that Californians believe state parks are important, regardless of age, race, or income. Eighty-five percent of all respondents who value state parks agreed they are an important part of everyday life, including strong support among millennials, Latinx, women, and mothers.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an outpouring of support for state parks fromCalifornians,who turn to these placesfor respite and enjoyment during this time of great challenge and stress,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation.
“The poll demonstrates the significant importance of state parks for all Californians andnecessitates criticalinvestments to protect and preserve the system for the benefit of everyone.”
“The poll demonstrates that our state parks are an essential part of the future of California,” said California State Parks Foundation Board Member Darry Sragow, longtime political strategist and Senior Counsel at Dentons. “The emerging generation of Californians deeply value their state parks and see parks as a very important part of their daily lives.”
“Latinos make up 40 percent of the population in California and their median age as a population is 30 years old,”said PatriciaPérez, Owner, VPE TRADIGITAL Communications and chair of the Los Angeles River State Park Partners. “So, we already see the future of parks. The challenge is how to connect this emerging majority in California with their state parks.”
“It’s really about having representation within our parks,” said Vianey Moreno, Lead Naturalist at Community Nature Connection. “Having someone who looks like you and comes from your community allows people of all backgrounds to feel like they have a voice in their parks. This sense of belonging and ownership is the first step toward fosteringstewardship of our state parks in the next generation.”
Additional findings from the statewide polling include:
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Californians who valuestate parks believe they are an important part of everyday life.
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Agree: 84% Millennials | 87% Latinx | 79% Asian | 86% Women
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These California voterslook to state parks as places to enjoy down time with friends and family.
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Agree: 91% Millennials | 89% Latinx | 86% Asian | 86% Women
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Of the benefits state parks provide, Californians value protecting wildlife and natural resources the most.
For a more detailed poll findings visit our website, download our one-pager (also attached), and review the poll findings in the attached slides. 
About California State Parks Foundation
California State Parks Foundation is an independent, member-supported nonprofit that mobilizes a diverse network of Californians to be active champions for our state parks. At California State Parks Foundation, we believe that all Californians are essential to sustaining our state parks. Every day, we inform and inspire current and future generations of park champions, enabling them to be the passionate advocates our state parks need. Because when we build a movement of park supporters, we ensure the long-term sustainability of our incredible state park treasures. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, or Instagram and Twitter (@calparks).
Source: California State Parks Foundation
