AGO Opinion Topics: ESTABLISHMENT NEW STATE PARKS AND TRANSFERS EXISTING STATE PARKS

(1) The State Parks & Recreation Commission has authority to establish new State parks without specific legislative authority on tracts acquired by donation or bequest, and on tracts which abut upon a public highway actually constructed, located or projected.  (2) The State Parks & Recreation Commission may not transfer existing State parks to other agencies without legislative approval, unless the State Parks Committee should find that the land on which the park is situated cannot advantageously be used for park purposes.  (3) Any money realized by the State from the Federal government as the result of condemnation of a State park, must be deposited in the State treasury to the credit of the State Parks and Parkway fund.