A group of North Bay outdoor lovers has cut a $2 million dollar deal to help fund - and run - three state parks.

The Marin State Parks Association went into action when budget troubles threatened to shut down several parks in the county. Tomorrow the group will hold a celebration to announce a partnership with state officials to keep three parks open - China Camp, Tomales Bay, and Olompali.

Danita Rodriguez, who supervises the Marin state parks, said it's a big turnaround from last year when the state was looking to close as many as 70 parks.

"When you figure four out of the six parks in Marin county were on the closure list," Rodriguez said, "and now we have all of those parks open to the public, this is very exciting news."

The fourth park she's referring to is Samuel P Taylor. It will remain open under an agreement with the National Park Service.