Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) was awarded grant funding from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Outdoor Equity Program. The goal of this program is to establish hubs for local activities and trips to natural areas for underserved communities. Through access to nature, the program also seeks to educate youth and families to become responsible stewards of the environment and to empower them with information on career pathways related to nature and the environment.

RivCoParks will use the awarded grant funds to bring local communities to the Hidden Valley Widlife Area in Riverside. The Hidden Valley Nature Center is located within the wildlife area, and offers many nature education events, displays and programs for children and the public. The 1,500-acre wildlife area is home to hundreds of species of birds, wildlife, aquatic life, trees, plants, an 8-mile stretch of the Santa Ana River, seasonal ponds, and 25 miles of well-maintained multi-use trails with scenic views of beautiful rugged southern California mountains.

“Our goal is to increase access to our beautiful outdoor spaces for youth and families who might not otherwise have had the opportunity,” stated RivCoParks General Manager Kyla Brown “Making sure that all people have access to parks and open spaces is central to improving physical and mental health, and quality of life in our communities.”

Public agencies statewide competed for the grant funding, with over $167 million dollars in requests received for the $57 million dollars available via this highly competitive program. RivCoParks staff will share outdoor adventures with participants starting in Fall 2022.

The mission of RivCoParks is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of park related places of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance. To learn more about the Outdoor Equity Program and additional grantees, visit:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30443