OUR GOAL

Advocate

Securing adequate funding for parks

The fight for our parks

During the FY2026 budget process, our supporters fought so DCR’s Operations Budget (2810-0100) received a 3.5 percent increase to keep it above the state’s 2024 inflation rate of 3.0 percent. After a season of work, initiatives backed by legislators, a $4000,000 gubernatorial line-item veto and override votes, the legislature restored $113.8M to the operations account.

$1.0 billion deferred maintenance backlog

With a reported $1.0 billion deferred maintenance backlog, our state parks are ill-equipped to serve the Commonwealth’s citizens with free, safe, and universally accessible open space and recreational opportunities. DCR and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs must identify the backlog components and establish a schedule for returning the state parks to a fully functional state.

Mass Parks For All Objectives:

Continue organized efforts informing the administration and the legislature by highlighting the importance of sustainably funding DCR operations and capital spending, increasing staff, increasing hiring of underrepresented demographics, and adhering to the DCR Special Commission recommendations.

Increase the number of active DCR Friends Groups and assist in building their capacity.

  • Assist fledgling community park groups in building membership and connect with other community groups.

Use the Betsy Shure Gross Public/Private Partnership Fund and the Ann Roosevelt Universal Access Fund to assist existing Friends Groups with their match to DCR’s Matching Fund Program.

Build coalitions with aligned organizations, particularly community bike, pedestrian, and parkway groups.

  • Expand and gain funding for bike and pedestrian trails and the Parkway Master Plan to connect the Commonwealth’s state parks.