When we close parks to "save" money, what is the true cost?
Leonardo A. Gem
“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.”
― John Muir, A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf
Read more in the below and check out photos of Arizona at www.AcrossArizonaTours.com
Partners keep threatened state parks open
by Hadley Malcolm on Oct. 23, 2011, under USA Today News
Susan Lynn has been walking almost 5 miles in California’s Benicia State Recreation Area every day for 25 years.
“It’s an amazing place to be when the sun comes up over the water,”
Lynn says of her hike along Southhampton Bay. “It’s such a good way to
start your day.”
By next summer, Lynn may not be starting her days there. Along with
the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, the recreation area is on a
list of 70 of California’s 278 state parks slated to close by July.
But not without a fight. Across the country, people are taking the
initiative to save state parks as budget cuts threaten to close them.
Towns, non-profits and private businesses are stepping in to preserve
not only the opportunities for outdoor recreation but also the economic
benefits to surrounding communities.
By shifting some funds in Benicia’s city budget and partnering with
the Benicia State Parks Association, the city says it could manage the
parks for the next two years. Mario Giuliani, city economic development
manager, says he is “optimistic” the State Parks Department will agree.
“We think it’s fantastic that people are recognizing the value of
their parks and showing the willingness to be personally involved,” says
California State Parks Director Ruth Coleman...
