Route to Parks Grant to Remove Access Barriers to California’s Parks Received!
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Contact:
CONTACT: Michael Myers, Executive Director
Kings Beach, CA — Sierra State Parks Foundation received $29,500 in grant funding as part of Parks California’s Route to Parks program, supporting efforts to reduce transportation barriers and expand access to California’s state parks.
Launched in 2020, Route to Parks has invested in more than 120 community organizations and supported access for more than 20,000 people statewide, with more than 75 percent of participants visiting a state park for the first time. The program is supported through a joint agreement between California State Parks and Parks California, along with private philanthropic investments.
“We are thrilled to continue to receive support from the Route to Parks program,” said Michael Myers, Executive Director of Sierra State Parks Foundation. “At Sierra State Parks Foundation, we understand the importance of helping more Californians connect with nature and are excited to expand our efforts in collaboration with our local Tahoe-Donner California State Parks and Parks California to enhance waterborne recreation and interpretive programs at our local state parks.”
This year, Route to Parks awarded more than $1.2 million in funding to 34 community organizations across the state, and these grants are expected to help more than 15,000 people — many visiting state parks for the first time — experience California’s natural wonders this year.
As part of the Route to Parks grant, in 2026, Sierra State Parks Foundation and our local California State Parks will:
· Increase the capacity and safety of the Donner Memorial State Park Paddling Tour Program
· Increase the capacity of Sugar Pine Point State Park's weekly kayak programs
· Reduce transportation costs and barriers for underserved communities locally and in nearby urban communities
"We love hosting these programs because they make kayaking and Lake Tahoe accessible to more people than ever before,” said Camden Dahms, Interpreter, California State Parks. “We’ve had guests from all over the world, from many different walks of life and age groups, join us for our kayak tours—and they all seem to leave with the same feeling: WOW. This place is incredible, and we should be protecting it."
“Access to parks is about more than a single visit — it’s about building lifelong connection to nature,” said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, president & CEO of Parks California. “Through Route to Parks, we’re investing in trusted community partners who know how to design experiences that feel welcoming, relevant, and joyful. We’re proud to support this year’s grantees and the work they are leading across California.”
