California is asking residents to help shape the future of three proposed state parks that could significantly expand public outdoor access across the Central Valley. California State Parks has launched a new public survey that will gather feedback on recreation, education, conservation, and community priorities for the planned parks in Yuba, Fresno, Madera, and Kern counties.
The effort is part of State Parks Forward, an initiative announced by Governor Gavin Newsom on Earth Day that represents the largest expansion of the California State Park System in decades. Officials say community input collected over the coming weeks will play a major role in determining how the new parks are developed and managed.
Three New California State Parks Under Consideration
The proposed additions include Feather River Park in Yuba County, San Joaquin River Parkway spanning Fresno and Madera counties, and Dust Bowl Camp in Kern County. Together, the three locations stretch roughly 330 miles across the Central Valley and each offers something distinct within the state park system.
Feather River Park would increase public access to one of Northern California’s important waterways while the San Joaquin River Parkway would expand opportunities for recreation and conservation along another major river corridor. Dust Bowl Camp would preserve and interpret a significant chapter of California history tied to the migration and hardships experienced during the Dust Bowl era.
According to California State Parks, all three properties are already publicly owned allowing them to be added to the state park system at little or no acquisition cost to the state.
Public Survey Now Open
California State Parks is encouraging residents, outdoor enthusiasts, local communities, and other stakeholders to complete the State Parks Forward survey. The questionnaire asks participants what would make the future parks most valuable to them, what types of recreational opportunities they would like to see, and how the sites should serve surrounding communities.
The survey takes about five to ten minutes to complete and participants can provide feedback on a single park or all three proposed locations.
The online survey will remain open through September 4th, 2026. In addition to digital participation, California State Parks plans to host community engagement events later this summer where members of the public can share ideas in person.
Community Feedback Will Guide Future Planning
Public input will directly inform the planning process before a final visioning report is submitted to Governor Gavin Newsom. That report will summarize recommendations gathered through public engagement and outline potential next steps for the future of the three parks.
California State Parks hopes the new locations will improve outdoor recreation opportunities while also supporting education, cultural interpretation, habitat conservation, and local community needs. By asking for public input before formal planning advances, the agency aims to create parks that reflect the priorities of the people who will use them.
The expansion comes as demand for outdoor recreation continues to grow across California. Adding new destinations in the Central Valley could provide more opportunities for hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, environmental education, and historical interpretation in regions that have historically had fewer state park resources than many coastal areas.
Residents interested in helping shape the future of Feather River Park, San Joaquin River Parkway, and Dust Bowl Camp can participate in the State Parks Forward survey through September 4th. California State Parks says every response will help guide the long term vision for what could become three of the newest additions to the California State Park System.