The Legislature further finds and declares that:

(a) The demand for parks, beaches, recreation areas and recreational facilities, and historical resources preservation projects in California is far greater than what is presently available, with the number of people who cannot be accommodated at the area of their choice or any comparable area increasing rapidly. Further, the development of parks, beaches, recreation areas and recreational facilities, and historical resources preservation projects has not proceeded rapidly enough to provide for their full utilization by the public.

(b) The demand for parks, beaches, recreation areas and recreational facilities, and historical resources preservation projects in the urban areas of our state is even greater since over 90 percent of the present population of California reside in urban areas; there continues to be a serious deficiency in open space and recreation areas in the metropolitan areas of the state; and less urban land is available, costs are escalating, and competition for land is increasing.

(c) There is a high concentration of urban social problems in California’s major metropolitan areas which can be partially alleviated by increased recreational opportunities.

(d) There is a particularly high demand for recreational use at reservoirs and lakes within the state park system and recreational facilities at nonstate water facilities are particularly in need of expansion, rehabilitation, or restoration.

(e) California’s coast provides a great variety of recreational opportunities not found at inland sites; it is heavily used because the state’s major urban areas lie, and 85 percent of the state’s population lives, within 30 miles of the Pacific Ocean; a shortage of facilities for almost every popular coastal recreational activity exists; and there will be a continuing high demand for popular coastal activities such as fishing, swimming, sightseeing, general beach use, camping, and day use. Funding for the development of a number of key coastal sites is critical at this time, particularly in metropolitan areas where both the demand for and the deficiency of recreational facilities is greatest.

(f) Cities, counties, and districts must exercise constant vigilance to see that the parks, beaches, recreation areas and recreational facilities, and historical resources they now have are not lost to other uses; they should acquire additional lands as those lands become available; they should take steps to improve the facilities they now have; and they should adequately operate and maintain their existing and proposed systems for the enjoyment of present and future generations of persons of all income levels, all ages, and all social groups.

(g) Past and current funding programs have not and cannot meet present deficiencies. This condition has become more acute as a result of restrictions on local governmental revenues. There is a need to give priority to further recreational development that can serve expanding recreational needs, produce operating revenues, and in some cases stimulate private sector jobs. In view of the present revenue shortages, and the increasing recreational demands, such a priority is most important at this time.

(h) In view of the foregoing, the Legislature declares that an aggressive, coordinated, funded program for meeting existing and projected recreational demands must be implemented without delay.

(Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 5, Sec. 1. Approved in Proposition 18 at the June 5, 1984, election.)