For the last couple of years, we have tried to be more visible at our local events and maybe you have noticed our pop up tent with the CSPA logo proudly displayed. We have tried to improve our table displays, be more engaging with passersby and we proudly wear our very bright blue long sleeve t-shirts. You can’t miss us!

What do we do at our table and why do we do it?

The primary reason is simply to spread the word. To let people know that our local state parks are a rare treasure. To remind locals and visitors to the diversity and uniqueness of each park. And to let everyone know that we cannot take these incredibly beautiful parts of the Coastside for granted. Unfortunately, our State Parks system is woefully underfunded. It was not that long ago that the solution to solving budget shortfalls was simply to close parks. 

We are determined to not let that ever happen. We are also determined to make sure that if park needs improvements — whether short term like repairing trails or long term like rebuilding the Año Nuevo Visitor Center — we are there to help. 

Those that are not familiar with CSPA sometimes think that we are paid employees of the park system. One of the reasons we table events is to let the public know that the CSPA board is made up of all volunteers. If you see us at an event, know that our time and effort is donated and that we love to share our enthusiasm for our local beaches, trails and parks!

Last month, for example, we had a table at Pigeon Point Light Station to help the park celebrate National Lighthouse Day and to inform people of the restoration work being done. The following week we had a table at a brand-new event called Waves and Watts held at Venice Beach. We saw hundreds of like-minded people and were thrilled to be able to spread the word about CSPA. We especially like engaging with locals and visitors who have never heard of our nonprofit. We hope that those we talk to will also spread the word about the challenges our parks face and how people can help.

So, next time you are at an event and see our turquoise shirts, please come by and say hello, tell us what your favorite park is and let us know if you have any ideas on how to maintain and improve our state parks. We’re all ears!

Would you like to help out and join us at a table? We’d love to have you! Having more volunteers would allow us to table more events and have an even greater impact at the events we can attend. Please email president@coastsidestateparks.org and let’s talk!

– Bill Murray, Coastside State Parks Association Board Member