Entertainment> Celebrities

Calif. lawmaker ponders Neverland as state park

(Agencies)
2010-07-14 09:59

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The former home of the King of Pop could become California's latest state park under an idea being floated by a California state lawmaker.

Assemblyman Mike Davis said Tuesday that he believes it's worth studying whether the California Department of Parks and Recreation should take over the Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County.

The Los Angeles legislator said fans from around the world would visit Michael Jackson's former estate, which is owned by a private equity firm.

"Given that we have an economic shortfall ... I suspect it would be difficult for the State Parks Department to purchase the property alone," Davis said. He would propose a public-private partnership.

Davis said the plan remains only an idea at the moment and that he might introduce a bill or resolution on the matter after lawmakers return from their monthlong recess in August.

"I am committed to finding out all the details possible to make this a good proposal," Davis said.

He also said NAACP president Alice Huffman and others approached him with the idea. Huffman's office did not immediately return a call Tuesday.

Calls to the California State Parks Foundation and Republican lawmakers also were not immediately returned.