Outdoor public recreation spaces: equitable access

The law makes the Natural Resources Agency responsible for carrying out a statewide outdoor-access strategy, with emphasis on disadvantaged and low-income communities. It links public recreation access with conservation and California’s goal of conserving 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030.

What the law does ​

• Establishes the Outdoors for All initiative within the Natural Resources Agency, in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation and other relevant state entities.
• Requires implementation of priorities to create recreation spaces, foster belonging, connect people to the outdoors, partner with communities, build equitable career pathways, and align public and private funding.
• Requires the agency to retain a Deputy Secretary for Access to coordinate the initiative.
• Requires the agency to update its Outdoors for All Strategy by December 31, 2031, and at least every eight years afterward.
• Requires stakeholder consultation, at least three public meetings, a public comment period of at least 30 days, and online publication for each strategy update.
• Requires annual progress reports to legislative policy and fiscal committees beginning January 1, 2028.

Who it affects ​

• Californians seeking safe, affordable access to outdoor public recreation spaces.
• Disadvantaged and low-income communities, which the strategy updates must benefit through access and conservation planning.
• Community-based organizations, local governments, and environmental justice advocates participating in strategy updates.
• The environmental and outdoor recreation workforce and people pursuing related careers.

Context ​

Outdoor public recreation spaces include parks, open spaces, trails, beaches, forests, and other natural areas.