San Diego State Parks Partnerships Have Connected More Than 200 Youth With Coastal Recreation

SAN DIEGO — October 26, 2026. A California State Parks pilot partnership is providing a closer look at what prevents many young people from visiting the coast, even when state parks are nearby. In an October 22 announcement, State Parks reported that San Diego nonprofit Outdoor Outreach has connected more than 200 youth from underserved communities with free recreation and educational experiences since July 2025.

Destinations named by the department include Cardiff, Carlsbad and Silver Strand state beaches, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and the Tijuana Estuary. Activities have included hiking, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, camping and environmental education. Another San Diego partner, Un Mar de Colores, worked with approximately 100 participants at five state beaches, combining outdoor education with surfing and bilingual support.

Access is more than admission price

State Parks said surveys by Outdoor Outreach identified transportation, limited awareness of nearby green spaces and safety concerns as obstacles for some participants. The pilot allows participating community organizations to coordinate access and interpretive programs directly; it is not described as a new unrestricted free pass for all park visitors.

The partnerships are slated to be assessed through 2028, with the pilot running into early 2029. Source: California State Parks October 22 release. Find additional stories at San Diego News.

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