The Trust for Public Land Commends California Leaders for Approving Parks Bond (SB 5); Vows All-Out Effort to Win Voter Approval in June

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Trust for Public Land today thanked Gov. Jerry Brown for signing SB 5. The Governor's action put the $4 billion parks bond on the June 2018 ballot. The nonprofit organization also pledged to lead an all-out campaign to secure voter approval in June.

Officially known as the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, SB 5 will be the largest investment in conservation and natural resources in California history. The $4 billion package prioritizes park creation and rehabilitation, drinking water safety, natural resource conservation, and flood prevention.

It reserves $725 million for park construction in low-income and park-poor communities, which will help California work toward the goal of locating a quality park or open green space within a 10-minute walk of all urban residents.

Mary Creasman, California Director of Government Affairs for The Trust for Public Land, released the following statement. Creasman also chairs the Committee for Clean Water, Natural Resources, and Parks, a coalition of almost 100 local, statewide and national organizations, which organized advocacy efforts on behalf of SB 5 and will be working to support its passage in June.

"This is an enormous victory for the hundreds of grassroots advocates who made calls and walked the hallways of the legislature these past few months," she said. "Most importantly, it is a win for millions of California children and families, who will soon have access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk of their home. Park access should not be considered a luxury. It is a right, along with the clean air, clean water, and protection from climate impacts that result from these investments.

"The Trust for Public Land is enormously grateful to State Senate Pro Tempore Kevin de León, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, and Speaker Anthony Rendon for championing critical park and natural infrastructure investments. We also thank Governor Brown for his support and for his signature today.  

"The Trust for Public Land and all members of The Committee for Clean Water, Natural Resources, and Parks are ready to wage a vigorous campaign to win voter approval in June."

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions of people live near a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org

SOURCE The Trust For Public Land