A new perspective on how to keep state parks open

Last week, New York State officials listed the parks most likely to close.

The North Country–and specifically the Thousand Islands–take a big hit. (Details here.) Governor David Paterson says these closures will help save the state $30 million dollars as it tries to close a more-than $8 billion dollar budget deficit.

California faces a $20 billion deficit and may also close around 100 state parks.

Now, California parks and rec experts are joining members of the Harvard School of Business to draft a new funding plan for state parks.

As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle, this group is focusing on:

– Money: specifically how to create and maintain a sustainable stream of funding to state parks.

– Whatever works: identify existing programs that work anywhere and use these same strategies.

– Outreach: state park employees’ attitudes and examples can transform the public’s experience, especially for urban users who might feel disconnected from the parks and the outdoors.

And this group has already produced some interesting findings and ideas:

– Closed doesn’t mean closed: close the gate on access roads, but allow walk ins.

– Most park use is from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, close the facility during the week.

– California raised its camping fee to $35 per night. At that rate, say team members, the campsite must have a competent host that really keeps campgrounds clean and enforces quiet time at night.

– Reach out to people in urban areas that feel disconnected from the outdoors and offer educational field trips.

Read the Chronicle‘s story here.

And for those of you who use and value New York State Parks, share your ideas for keeping them open by clicking “comments” below.