SeeCalifornia.com

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — On July 20 Cordova Recreation and Park District celebrates 60 years with Party in the Park. The event coincides with California Park & Recreation Society’s July campaign, California’s Parks Make Life Better, promoted by many of the 525 park and recreation agencies in the state.

SeeCalifornia.com loves parks!

• The majority of free summer concerts are held in city parks.
• One of the best spots to find cool shade and see nature is a park.
• There’s no better place to take a toddler than a playground in a park. Kids love swings, slides, and interacting with other children.
• Dog parks have become a staple for exercising and entertaining pets.
• Parks are the focal point for community holiday gatherings such as 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas and Easter.
• Cities rent park space for company picnics, weddings, birthdays and all kinds of parties.

Parks in California

• San Francisco Recreation and Parks District formed in 1871.
• Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks was created in 1889.
• Galen Clark, the first state park ranger in California and the nation, was paid $500/year in 1866 as Guardian of Yosemite.
• California Department of Parks & Recreation sees more than 67 million annual visitors. With With 280 state park units and 15,000 campsites, it is the largest of any such state agency in the nation.
• California has the most national parks of any state.
• Types of parks include:
  Beaches
  Conference Centers
  Ghost Towns
  Historic Homes
  Historic Monuments
  Historic Parks
  Lakes and Reservoirs
  Lighthouses
  Marine parks
  Museums
  Natural and Cultural Preserves
  Natural Reserves
  Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Areas
  Recreation Areas
  Spanish-era Adobe Buildings
  Visitor Centers