The global pandemic, and resulting economic crisis brought on by Covid-19, has laid bare the deep racial and economic inequities that persist in every aspect of life in the United States. For millions of Californians who have been sheltering in place over the last year, parks have provided a space to get fresh air, exercise, and meet with loved ones in a physically distanced and appropriate manner. In this context, parks have taken on a renewed importance both as critical to reducing the chronic health problems that put people at increased risk of serious complications or death from Covid, and as invaluable spaces for residents to stay healthy and active while adhering to physical distancing requirements.

Advancing Park Equity in California explores the need to deepen investment in parks and offers recommendations to California lawmakers.