California is home to some of the most unique and famous state and national parks in the world. Yet many Californians are not able to experience these treasures in their own state.
For many families, a lack of reliable transportation and knowledge about programs and services that are available at parks and open spaces are overwhelming barriers. At the same time, the rising generation is spending less and less time outdoors, on average playing freely outside for just four to seven minutes a day. Prison inmates spend more time outside than youth!
But there is good news, the State Legislature just passed Assembly Bill 2534 and Assembly Bill 2614. These bills would help ensure all Californians who reflect the diversity of the state are experiencing and visiting state parks. The legislation also creates pathways for youth to the outdoors and our state parks.
These bills are headed to Governor Jerry Brown's desk for his signature. Now is the time to make sure he knows that we support these bills, which would open up our natural treasures to even more Californians.
Sign the petition and urge Governor Brown to sign these bills and help more California families and kids access and enjoy our states parks and open spaces!
Dear Governor Brown,
I'm writing to support and request your signature on Assembly Bill (AB) 2534 (Limón) and Assembly Bill (AB) 2614 (Carrillo). These important bills foster pathways to parks for Californians.
As you know, unfortunately not all Californians who reflect the diversity of the state are experiencing and visiting state parks. This is especially true of the rising generation that is spending more and more time indoors. At a national level, youth spend less time outside than prison inmates, on average playing freely outside for just four to seven minutes a day, according to the recent report The Path Ahead. Additional research shows that youth spend half as much time outside today as youth did 20 years ago. Additionally, 40% of U.S. School Districts have eliminated recess, and outdoor education programs and field trips have declined significantly over the years.
California is home to some of the most unique and world-famous natural resources and state and national parks that draw thousands of tourists annually. Yet many California residents have not experienced these treasures in their own state. For many families, lack of reliable transportation and lack of knowledge about programs and services that are available at parks and open spaces are overwhelming barriers. This legislation is an important step toward beginning to address these barriers.
Outdoor experiences provide a number of positive outcomes and benefits. Park experiences are essential for health, happiness and quality of life and by ensuring all youth the opportunity to experience parklands, we foster the next generation of empowered parks stewards who, in return, have an appreciation for the significant benefits of parks.
[Your Comment]
With your support, all Californians will be able to enjoy the natural resources and cultural treasures in our state parks. Please continue your leadership for our state parks and sign AB 2534 and AB 2614.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
