About America's State Parks
America's State Parks helps capture the collective strength and importance of the great park systems developed in the 50 states. With over 7,000 units and more than 720 million visits, America's State Parks works to enhance the American quality of life. NASPD board members representing each region of the country initially governed the America's State Parks alliance.
America's State Parks + America's National Parks = Great National System of Parks
Stephen T. Mather, founder of the National Park Service, envisioned that the states and the federal government needed to work together to develop a great national system of parks. By working together the nation would develop a national system of parks that would be the envy of the world.
Thanks to the vision of Stephen Mather and his contemporaries more than a billion visits a year are made to state and national parks (720 million state park visits and 276 million national park visits).
As Mather said, "Who will gainsay that the parks contain the highest potentialities of national pride, national contentment, and national health? A visit inspires love of country; begets contentment; engenders pride of possession; contains the antidote for national restlessness...He is a better citizen with a keener appreciation of the privilege of living here who has toured the nations parks."
The NASPD Leadership initially outlined these strategic priorities:
- Create a dynamic website and media channels to build a relationship with the public and educate them about the value of America’s State Parks.
- Establish and support initiatives and programs that connect children and families with the outdoors.
- Position and promote State Parks as assets to Americans pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
- Green/Conservation projects.
- Full funding for LWCF Stateside Assistance Program.
Facts About America's State Parks:
| Total Park Visits: | More than 720 million per year |
| Number of state park units: | 7,804 |
| Total economic impact on communities: | More than $20 billion |
| Percent of visitors with children: | 64% |
| Miles of trails: | 38,383 |
| Number of campsites: | 221,101 |
| Number of cabins and lodges: | 8,095 |
