About Us

Our Mission and Vision

The mission of CALPA is to create a resilient network of nonprofit park partners by empowering its members through education, collaboration, innovation and advocacy to strengthen the California state park system for future generations. Our vision  is to foster a network of resilient and innovative nonprofit partners to sustain the California State Parks system.

What We Do

path for California League of Park Associations (CALPA) going forward.

CALPA commits to being a robust network and resource for park partners, providing invaluable support, guidance, and collaboration opportunities to enhance the stewardship and enjoyment of California's parks.

By and large, park co-ops tend to be small grassroots organizations stretched to meet their own primary objectives – supporting their park units. The impact of COVID-19 took a toll on many of these organizations, affecting cash reserves, fundraising efforts, activities, and staffing. It has become ever clearer that acting as an advocate for co-ops to amplify their voices will be a critical

Collective Action

It can be difficult for one organization to resolve confounding problems with a massive bureaucracy like California State Parks. Likewise, as much as Parks wants to support the co-ops, and as much as they want to help each organization be successful, they simply don’t have the capacity to create individual solutions for each co-op. For our sake, and theirs, we have to find a better way – and we think, with your support and active engagement, CALPA can effectively direct our efforts to relieve your pain points.

Access to Parks and Park Partners

The Board of Directors is actively engaged in re-imagining how we can connect with members, understand the challenges you’re facing, amplify successful solutions you’ve found across the state, and create a path toward mission fulfillment for all our park partners. In addition, as a member, you’ll have unique access to other organizations and to State Parks’ leadership. You’ll become part of a coordinated network of organizations working in your field as they take on new and evolving issues.

Education and Convening

We work to provide educational opportunities and resources based on what our members need. And of course, our biennial conference is not simply a moment in time for us to gather with our partners and with State Parks, it’s one important point in a long timeline of working together to expand parks and restore and protect the natural, historic, and cultural resources of varied park units across the State of California in diverse communities.

Our History

In the early 1970s, discussions regarding the formation of an overarching organization to support State Park cooperating associations began, with formal steps taken in February 1983 through an organizational meeting held at Asilomar. This meeting led to the establishment of the California League of Park Associations ( (CALPA), modeled after the Conference of National Park Cooperating Associations. CALPA aimed to enhance communication among associations, provide a unified voice in dealings with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and other agencies, support new associations, and offer training sessions. Over time, CALPA decentralized into six regions, though the anticipated level of regional activity was not fully realized. Nonetheless, regional workshops were sponsored, and the League's long-range plan emphasizes increased regional participation.

Since its inception, CALPA has organized conferences and provided assistance to associations facing challenges with DPR and other entities. Efforts to advocate for a more user-friendly approach to the Cooperating Associations Manual and contracts have been successful, leading to improved guiding documents. Additionally, CALPA has facilitated access to more cost-effective insurance sources for associations. Despite achievements over the years, CALPA recognizes the need to further develop its potential. A new action plan is being devised under the Board's strategic planning program, fostering optimism for the future of the organization.

Our Board

At the California League of Park Associations (CALPA), our organization operates with a dedicated working board. This means that our board members not only govern but also actively manage and execute all of the day-to-day operations. With no paid staff, our board members take on a hands-on role in everything from organizing events and managing finances to engaging with the community and implementing strategic initiatives. This commitment ensures that CALPA remains efficient and responsive to the needs of our parks and communities, driven by the passion and dedication of our volunteer board members. Board members serve two-year terms.

Executive Officers