AB 618 – Enhancing California State Park Reservations for a Better Visitor Experience
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Enhancing Access and Convenience for California State Park Visitors
As residents of Borrego Springs, we take pride in our beautiful state parks and their abundant natural and cultural resources. That’s why we’re excited to share with you the latest legislative development to improve California State Parks’ reservation process. Assembly Bill 618, also known as AB 618 and Bauer-Kahan, introduces important amendments to streamline and enhance the management of the state park reservation system.
As Borrego Springs residents and avid park enthusiasts, we welcome these changes that will undoubtedly contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors across the state.
The Key Provisions of AB 618:
- Flexible Cancellation Policy: Effective January 1, 2024, any contract entered into by the Department of Parks and Recreation for managing the reservation system must include provisions for cancellations. Under the new law, cancellations made within seven calendar days of the reservation start date will result in credit that can be used for future reservations within five years of the original start date. Additionally, cancellations made up to three calendar days before the reservation start date will make the campsite or lodging site available for online reservation by other visitors.
- Improved Communication: To ensure visitors are well-informed, AB 618 requires reservation holders to receive at least two reminder emails. The emails will emphasize the importance of canceling within the specified time frames to receive refunds or credits for the reservation cost. Moreover, reservation holders will be notified that failure to show up within 24 hours of the reservation start time, without prior notice to park staff, will result in forfeiture of the entire reservation cost. Importantly, the bill allows the forfeited reservation costs to be allocated for deferred maintenance projects, pending legislative appropriation.
- Walkup Reservations and Real-Time Availability: Unreserved camp or lodging sites and sites where the reservation holder fails to show up within 24 hours will be available for walkup reservations. The state park’s online reservation system will display real-time availability information for these sites, providing visitors greater flexibility and spontaneity in securing a campsite or lodging.
- Reservation Lottery System: Starting January 1, 2025, the Department of Parks and Recreation will implement a reservation lottery system drawing for up to five of the most popular units of the state park system. This new system addresses the high demand for reservations in these popular units. The selected units will be determined based on their booking interest six months prior to the reservation date. The department will conduct the reservation drawing at least once per year for each chosen unit, offering visitors a fair opportunity to secure their preferred dates.
AB 618: Transforming Reservation Experience for California State Parks, Embracing Visitor Satisfaction and Accessibility
Learn more and follow the bill: here
AB 618 represents a significant milestone in the continuous efforts to improve the reservation process for California State Parks. As Borrego Springs residents who deeply appreciate the natural wonders surrounding us, we are thrilled to see these amendments that prioritize visitor satisfaction and accessibility to our cherished state parks.
By implementing a more flexible cancellation policy, enhancing communication with reservation holders, allowing walkup reservations, and introducing a reservation lottery system, AB 618 is set to revolutionize how visitors plan and enjoy their park experiences. We look forward to this bill’s positive impact on our beloved California State Parks and the memorable adventures they offer.
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