State parks are closing because of budget cuts. Historically, state parks have been predominantly funded by the state’s General Fund, but the level of General Fund support for parks has been declining for years. The latest budget cut to state parks in Fiscal Year 2011-12 was the blow to the state parks system that is resulting in closures. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) decided to close 70 of our 278 state parks that means 25 percent of our state parks system will be closed to the public by July 1, 2012.

There is uncertainty about how parks will be “closed” and will likely be different from park to park. Parks could be off-limits to the public and enter what DPR refers to as caretaker status. This means that gates and restrooms could be locked, trash not collected and trails and other facilities might suffer from lack of maintenance.

Learn what park closures are planned: http://www.calparks.org/defend/

(Information provided about courtesy of the California State Parks Foundation.

Park Champions projects improve the quality, safety and preservation of our state parks. Projects in the past year have included trail repair, invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, the rehabilitation of an historic orchard, fence construction, bridge construction, and re-painting park structures. If you enjoy volunteering outdoors, want to work with a fun group of people, and you want to make a difference in our state parks, then become a Park Champion and join us for the next work day happening near you!

Chino Hills State Park is just one of the parks you can help improve through this program.  Learn more at: http://calparks.org/programs/volunteer/park-champions/.

The exhibits will provide colorful information on subjects such as resident plants and animals, wildlife corridors, human impacts on open space, biodiversity, and even geomorphology! Exhibits include tactile features (things you can touch), video monitors, murals and more. The 1,600 sq ft. Multi-Purpose room can be used for public education and community meetings.

Finally, four bright and cheery public restrooms, an “organic” outdoor amphitheater, and short path finish it off. The parking lot is accessed off of Carbon Canyon Road and will accommodate approximately 75 vehicles. A large monument sign will soon be placed near the entrance for all passing motorists to see.

Visitors entering this western side of the Park can visit the Discovery Center on their way to hike, bike, horse back ride, and view wildlife. We look forward to hosting many educational field trips and exciting special events at the new Discovery Center. The back parking lot was designed to accommodate busses and equestrian trailer parking.

Once the Discovery Center is open to the public, State Park staff will be on site to provide customer service, such as selling park passes, and providing maps and information. The Chino Hills State Park Interpretive Association will have a variety of fun and educational items for sale at the reception counter.

Future plans for the site include an Outdoor Education Gazebo, nature trail, and interpretive signs and displays. The Multi-Purpose room and restroom facilities, as well as the parking lot, will be available for all to enjoy in the coming months.

I welcome you to visit. The Discovery Center will be a place for all to see and discover!
– Kelly Elliott, Park Superintendent