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California To Open First New State Park In 13 Years

May 16, 2022

A 2,100-acre former farm property in the San Joaquin Valley is set to become California’s newest state park.

Credit: Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group

Nestled between the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers, Dos Rios Ranch in Modesto will be California’s first state park in 13 years – the longest the state has gone without introducing a new park since the department was founded in 1927.

The property will become California's 280th state park and the first new one since Fort Ord Dunes near Monterey in 2009.

State Parks Director Armando Quintero said Friday that the property will serve “a park-poor region” — the San Joaquin Valley — and help address inequities in access to state recreation sites.

"Everyone deserves to have close access to vibrant parks and this opportunity is an exciting one," Quintero said. "This will provide incredible public access. People will be able to hike on trails, and fish and paddle the river."

Dos Rios could get trails, picnic areas, restrooms and other basics within five years, state parks officials said. Campgrounds could follow within another five years, the Bee reported.

Learn more at RiverPartners.org