Schwarzenegger to Park Users: Get Out
by Claudine ZapMay 29, 2009
It's almost summer. The time to throw the kids in the car, fill up the cooler, and head for some of the great state parks in California. But if you're planning to view one of the world's tallest trees, take in Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, or enjoy one of the best preserved ghost towns in the U.S., better cross those off the list. They might be closed when you get there.
In case you haven't heard: California, the land of dreams, is flat broke. And closing 220 state parks—including layoffs of 2,000 park service employees—is one penny-pinching idea from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is a worst-case scenario and may not play out as drastically if funds magically materialize. But if money isn't shifted around, you can say bye-bye to many vacationing spots. (A list of the proposed closings can be found here.)
You may ask, doesn't tourism to parks make money for California? Fair point. According to the AP, the state gets a $2.35 return for every dollar it spends on parks. Critics of the proposal say closing attractions will make the budget woes that much worse. But with the state in hock for some $24 billion, it's triage, and schools and emergency services come before (natural) beauty.
Of course, for all the proposed closings, many major features will be open for business, including Hearst Castle and the public beaches of Southern California. But prospects are not good for Will Rogers' ranch, Humboldt Redwoods State Park (where those super-tall trees live), and any public park in the Bay Area.
Oh, and if you want to take your complaint to the governor's mansion in person, better think twice: That's on the closure list, too.
