Advocacy: Championing Parks and Recreation for All Californians

At the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS), we believe parks and recreation are not just amenities — they are vital services that shape healthy, resilient, and thriving communities. From cleaner air and safer neighborhoods to mental wellness and economic vitality, public investment in parks, open space, and recreation transforms lives and landscapes across California.

What Advocacy Means at CPRS

CPRS leads the charge to:

• Position parks and recreation as vital
  We elevate the role of parks and recreation in public policy and community planning, ensuring elected officials and the public recognize our field as a critical contributor to quality of life.

• Protect public access and public spaces
  We advocate for strong, publicly funded systems that preserve access to parks, programs, and open spaces for every Californian.

• Advance the profession and build advocacy skills
  Through trainings, resources, and tools, we help professionals grow as advocates — amplifying your voice and the collective impact of our field.

• Support local advocacy and grassroots action
  We equip our members to be powerful advocates at the local level, offering resources to help you inform, influence, and engage decision-makers in your own community.

• Monitor legislation that matters
  CPRS tracks key state and federal legislation and policies that affect parks and recreation — from funding to environmental issues to public health — keeping you informed and engaged.