Category Archives: State Parks

California, State Parks

Free Park Entry for Veterans on Veterans Day – November 11th

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

From the California State Parks Foundation:

As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day, we at CSPF want to thank all those who have served and who are currently serving our country.

We also want to spread the word that for the first time veterans and active duty military personnel are eligible for free day-use access to California’s state parks on Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. Free day-use access will be provided at state parks currently operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation that are accessible with a vehicle day use pass.

Continue reading →

State Parks

“Take a Walk Through Time” at Bidwell Mansion

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park will be hosting the celebration of John Bidwell’s 195th birthday on Sunday, August 10, which is being sponsored by the Bidwell Mansion Association. The celebration will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Visitors will be taking a “walk through time” and participate in an evening of interactive entertainment. People in period costumes will re-enact daily lives from the Victorian era, and will include past residents of Bidwell Mansion. The celebration will conclude in the Visitor Center with a birthday cupcake for visitors, and the opportunity to enter to win a lovely gift basket in the opportunity drawing.

An original watercolor painting of the Bidwell Mansion by Nell Chapla will be on display in the Visitor Center for a silent auction. Bidding will begin at the time of the event and continue until the BMA Members Holiday Event on Dec. 5.

Continue reading →

State Parks

Nothing says opulence and Hearst Castle quite like a porta potty

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Hearst Castle Visitor Center to Close Public Restrooms in July for Water Conservation

Chemical toilets with hand sanitizer stations will be made available

According to a press release from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, starting on Monday July 7, 2014, the Hearst Castle Visitor Center will begin implementing water conservation measures to reduce water usage and comply with Governor Brown’s Executive Order to redouble drought actions across the State. All day-use restrooms will be closed and chemical toilets (or porta-potties) with exterior hand sanitizer stations will be placed at the Visitor Center. Thirty standard chemical restrooms plus eight Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible chemical restrooms will be available to accommodate all visitors. At least six hand sanitizer stations will also be available.

Continue reading →

State Parks

Free tickets for the Palm Springs Aerial tram!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Okay, you knew there’d be a catch.  But it’s a good catch!

The California State Parks Foundation sponsors the Park Champions Program, which – from their website – “…holds volunteer work days in state parks across California. This program was created in response to the unprecedented budget cuts that California State Parks face right now. In partnership with California State Parks, Park Champions provide consistent, sustainable volunteer support in the areas of park maintenance and beautification.

Park Champions projects improve the quality, safety and preservation of our state parks. Projects in the past year have included trail repair, invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, the rehabilitation of an historic orchard, fence construction, bridge construction, and re-painting park structures. If you enjoy volunteering outdoors, want to work with a fun group of people, and you want to make a difference in our state parks, then become a Park Champion and join us for the next work day happening near you!”

Continue reading →

State Parks

California State Park’s 150th Anniversary

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Monday, June 30 is the 150th anniversary of California’s state parks system.  Rather than celebrating this incredible achievement in California state park history at one of the hundreds of venues available throughout the state, the California State Parks Foundation and Gavin Newsom will be at Yosemite National Park.  Because, y’know, it’s a national park, not a state park.

Whatever.

Our California State Parks have been under attack for so many years – from hidden money to threatened closures to this latest snub by the government of the state – that it’s amazing that we’ve reached this milestone.  But don’t let that stop you from getting out and visiting our beautiful state and the state parks; there’s something for everyone!

Find a California state park near you HERE.

The California State Parks Foundation sent out this notice:

On Monday, members of the California State Assembly are expected to vote on a resolution by Assembly member Olsen (R-Modesto) that recognizes the 150th anniversary of the California state parks system and urges Californians to join in celebrating this important anniversary.
Continue reading →