LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS<\/p>\n
More California fourth-grade families are gaining free access to the nation\u2019s largest and most diverse state park system.<\/p>\n
Since Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced a new, simplified name and sign-up period for California State Parks\u2019 Free Fourth Grade Pass, downloads have increased by 46% compared to the first six weeks it was offered in 2026.<\/p>\n
Participating parks include Anderson Marsh State Historic Park in Lower Lake and Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking this pass easier to find and use means more fourth graders are getting outside, discovering their state, and making memories with their families. We won\u2019t stop bringing down barriers and expanding access to the places that make California so special,\u201d said Gov. Newsom.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m absolutely thrilled more California families are taking advantage of the Free Fourth Grade Pass and experiencing our state\u2019s natural beauty together. Spending time outdoors is essential to our children\u2019s health and wellbeing \u2013 especially in today\u2019s digital age \u2013 and California\u2019s state parks are the perfect places to learn, explore and connect with nature. Every child and every family should have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of the outdoors, and I\u2019m incredibly proud to help make these experiences more accessible to Californians across our state,\u201d said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom<\/p>\n
For the first time since the pass was created five years ago, incoming California fourth graders in public school could get their Free Fourth Grade Pass in August and start the new school year with unlimited free access to 54 participating state parks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fourth graders previously couldn\u2019t sign up for the pass \u2013 formerly known as the California State Park Adventure Pass \u2013 until September, after the school year had already started in many districts throughout the state.<\/p>\n
In addition to opening in August, the pass is now valid for up to 13 months, through Aug. 31 of the following year, so it can be used from the time students start fourth grade until they begin fifth grade.<\/p>\n
Parents and guardians can download the free pass for their fourth graders at ReserveCalifornia.com.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cRemoving barriers to state parks is at the heart of Outdoors for All, and the numbers are already showing that the updates to our Free Fourth Grade Pass are doing exactly that,\u201d said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. \u201cThere\u2019s still plenty of time for fourth graders to get their free pass and start exploring the nation\u2019s largest and most diverse state park system. Get your Free Fourth Grade Pass today!\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nFirst Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Assemblymember Jessica Caloza celebrate with California students during the launch event announcing the newly renamed Free Fourth Grade Pass last month at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. Photo from California State Parks.
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Outdoors for All<\/p>\n
The free pass is a cornerstone of Outdoors for All, Governor Newsom and the First Partner\u2019s commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of the outdoors. Since the free pass program was launched in September 2021, more than 140,000 passes have been distributed to fourth graders and their families.<\/p>\n
Along with all fourth graders in public school, California residents from all walks of life \u2014 including families receiving public assistance and anyone with a library card \u2014 can access free parks passes as part of Outdoors for All:<\/p>\n
California State Library Parks Pass: Allows library cardholders to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks. It\u2019s just like borrowing a book, with more than 33,000 passes available at over 1,100 public and tribal libraries in the state.
Golden Bear Pass: This free annual pass provides vehicle day-use entry at over 200 state parks for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, income-eligible Californians over age 62, and participants of California\u2019s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. To date, Californians have received more than 148,000 Golden Bear Passes.<\/p>\n
State Parks also recently completed a wildly popular free promotion of its Historian Passport, which saw more than 454,000 passes downloaded in just over two weeks. The pass is good through the end of the year.<\/p>\n
Benefits of spending time outdoors<\/p>\n
The 54 participating state parks of the Free Fourth Grade Pass help complement the fourth-grade curriculum, bringing to life what fourth graders are learning in the classroom.\u00a0
Fourth grade is a unique time in a child\u2019s development where they begin to better understand how the world around them works in concrete ways, and they are more receptive to engaging with nature and the environment.<\/p>\n
Studies indicate that access to parks and green space can lead to improvements in children\u2019s physical well-being, social-emotional learning and academic outcomes, with children experiencing reduced stress and demonstrating more enthusiasm for school.<\/p>\n
How to get your free Fourth Grade Pass<\/p>\n
Signing up for the Free Fourth Grade Pass is easy. A parent or guardian can apply on ReserveCalifornia.com (account required) to download the pass. The only information required is a name, address, phone number and email address.<\/p>\n
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