A State Park That Definitely is NOT Closing, Crystal Cove State Beach
The California State Parks list of 70 parks set for closure in July has now been reduced significantly, thanks to “friends”and corporate sponsors who are continuing to chip in funds. It’s a grass roots movement allowing locals who love their parks to support them and keep them open. One park that was never considered is funky Crystal Cove State Beach. The federally listed Historic District features 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages originally built in the 1920’s and 1930’s nestled around the mouth of Los Trancos Creek. It is one of the last remaining examples of early 20th century Southern California coastal development.
With fantastic, slightly renovated beach shacks and cottages you can rent (crystalcovebeachcottages.com), Crystal Cove SB is one of the most popular facilities in the parks system. A brand new campground not far from the old cottages, Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground, was funded by Proposition 12 and opened its gates last year. It is the first coastal campground to be added to the State Park system in roughly 20 years. Located in one of the highest demand areas of the state, about $1 million in annual fee revenue from this park helps provide funds for other parks within the system.
In addition, a ground swell of support has helped to provide operating fees for many state parks that were set to close. Here are some successes (but not all) to date:
Folsom Lake and Auburn State Recreation Areas – Fees to Benefit Parks June 22, 2012
Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park – Diverse Effort Nets Funds to Keep Open June 20, 2012
Castle Rock State Park – Sempervirens Fund Commits $250,000 to Keep Open June 13, 2012
Shasta State Historic Park – Shasta Historical Society Efforts Keep Park Open June 11, 2012
Los Encinos State Historic Parks and Santa Susanna State Historic Park – California State Parks Foundation Grants Keep Parks Off Closure List June 1, 2012
Palomar Mountain and Petaluma Adobe State Parks – Groundswell of Donor Support Keep Parks Open May 31, 2012
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park – Team Effort Lifts Off Closure List May 31, 2012
Grizzly Creek State Park – Humboldt County and Save the Redwoods League Join Forces to Keep Park Open May 24, 2012
Henry W. Coe State Park – Rescue Rally and Victory Celebration Set for May 21, 2012
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park- Saved From Closure April 27, 2012
Bale Grist Mill SHP and Bothe-Napa Vallley SP to Remain Open April 25, 2012
South Yuba River State Park – Fee Based Parking implemented to Help Keep Open April 20, 2012
Jack London State Historic Park – to Remain Open April 10, 2012
