Some interesting news out of northern California... China Camp State Park, which was one of several parks slated for closure because of budget cuts, has been saved thanks to the fundraising efforts of concerned community members: Group saves China Camp ahead of closure deadline.
There's a lot of rich California history behind China Camp, which got its name from being home to hundreds of Chinese immigrants in the area during the 1880s. Driven out of the cities by racist, anti-Chinese sentiment, many Chinese were drawn to the remote location of China Camp Village.
The Friends of China Camp have raised most of the estimated $250,000 needed before the July 1 deadline to keep the park open, but that will only keep the place running for another twelve months. Here's how they're trying to raise support for China Camp:
Support China CampThe Friends of China Camp have set up a really great website with all kinds of information about the sights, history and community of China Camp State Park. Check it out here. You can also join the Friends of China Camp on Facebook. (Thanks, Wayne.)
China Camp State Park is slated for permanent closure by July 1, 2012, due to a $22 million cut in the budget for California State Parks. Friends of China Camp is working to prevent this closure and to enhance the visitor experience with educational and interpretive programs. There are a number of different ways that you can help China Camp:
Become a Friend
Join Friends of China Camp and help us support the state park. Membership fees are fully tax-deductible, because Friends of China Camp (FOCC) is a committee of the non-profit Marin State Park Association, a 501(c)(3),organization.
Donate
Make a donation to help support the work of Friends of China Camp. Donations are also fully tax-deductible.
Volunteer
Help keep our state park open by volunteering your time. A number of volunteer opportunities are available, including foot and bike patrols, museum docents, and trail maintenance workers.
Tell A Friend
Click the link below to send email to your friends. Here's a message suggestion; "China Camp is a beautiful park along San Pablo Bay, with a history of Chinese families living and working as shrimp fishermen. Please join me in supporting Friends of China Camp, by becoming a member, volunteering or making a donation."
