A new plan from Governor Christie involves the state retaining control over the parks but contract with non-profit and business partners for services.
Last year, Gov. Christie launched a privatization task force, and they recommended the state parks as a clear option.
According to reporter Matt Katz, "The change could decrease public access, giving private entities power to prioritize corporation rentals over the desire of weekend visitors to use facilities, according to critics of the plan. Restaurants, stores, and water parks could open in parks, they said."
Needless to say, environmentalists and others are not happy with the plan, which will launch first as a test in Wharton State Forest.
FULL STORY: Christie rolls out plan to privatize parks

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites
Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform
A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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