Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 5780 — General Provisions

(a) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Recreation and Park District Law.

(b) The Legislature finds and declares that recreation, park, and open-space facilities and services are important to improving and protecting the quality of life for all Californians. The Legislature further finds and declares that the provision of recreation, park, and open-space facilities and services are essential services which are important to the public peace, health, and welfare of California residents. Among the ways in which local communities have provided these facilities and services has been the creation and operation of recreation and park districts. For at least seven decades, state laws have authorized recreation and park districts to provide recreation programs, local parks, and open spaces. Local officials have used this statutory authority to serve the diversity of California’s communities and residents. In enacting this chapter, it is the intent of the Legislature to create and continue a broad statutory authority for a class of special districts that provides community recreation, park, and open-space facilities and recreation services within specified boundaries and under local control. It is also the intent of the Legislature that recreation and park districts cooperate with other public agencies and private organizations to deliver those facilities and services. Further, the Legislature encourages local communities and local officials to adapt the powers and procedures provided by this chapter to meet the diversity of their own local circumstances and responsibilities.