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Santa Cruz County Parks engaged with an 8 member team of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) in the winter months of 2023. Check out the presentation below to see how they positively affected our community and enhanced our Parks. AmeriCorps NCCC is an AmeriCorps program that engages with 18-24-year-olds in a team-based national and community service in the United States. They strengthen communities and develop leaders through projects designed for direct, team based service.
Simpkins Family Swim Center has completed the 50 Meter Pool renovation, upgraded the pool lights and tile throughout the lap pool. In addition, the pool boilers were replaced, and maintenance staff resurfaced the pool deck. The renovations were funded in part by State Prop. 86 Per Capita Grant and Measure 6 funding sources. The pool reopened on June 13, 2022.
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A new playground was installed at Hidden Beach County Park in November 2021! The new structure replaces the previous 30-year-old structure and the rubber surface greatly improves accessibility. The project was largely funded with community donations in honor of Jett Ramsey.
Heart of Soquel Plaza was completed in Spring 2015. In 2021, County Parks completed construction and installation of a new pervious concrete multi-use trail from Heart of Soquel Plaza, along Soquel Creek, to the pedestrian bridge behind Soquel Elementary School to Main Street. The project includes the development of an all-access trail, habitat restoration, trailheads, drainage improvements, fencing, interpretive signage and a public art feature. Funding for the project came from the California River Parkways Grant Program!
Seacliff Village County Park opened to the public in December 2015. In 2019, the County Parks Department partnered with County Park Friends to construct a skatable art feature at Seacliff Village Park! The skate feature was designed to emulate the iconic cement ship at New Brighton State Beach. In fall of 2020, County Parks installed a new permanent restroom building at Seacliff Village Park. The new accessible restroom also features a mural through the County's Percent for the Arts Program!
Chanticleer Avenue County Park is a 4.5-acre neighborhood park in the Live Oak community. Phase 1 of the Master Plan was completed in 2019 and the park opened on January 18th, 2020! Park improvements include a new inclusive play area (LEO’s Haven), a new parking area, a new restroom building, off-leash dog areas, bike pump track, community garden, and associated improvements including on-street parking, pathways, drainage, plantings and fencing!
With partial funding from an Outdoor Education Facilities Grant from California State Parks, County Parks constructed the Felton Discovery County Park at the new Felton Library grounds on Gushee Street in downtown Felton. The park includes a nature trail, two pedestrian bridges over Bull Creek, program and gathering space, interactive play elements, musical instruments, educational and interpretive signage, native and pollinator planting areas, and riparian restoration. The park opened February 22, 2020! County Parks was awarded a Shade Structure Grant from the American Academy of Dermatology. The grant enabled us to build a permanent shade structure to protect our community members.
County Parks developed 0.25 acres of the Farm County Park with funds from the Proposition 84 Urban Greening Grant. This development included a small community garden, parking, a garden shed, a rainwater harvesting system, ADA water fountain and 1.5 acres of riparian restoration plantings! County Parks continues to seek grant funding to develop the remaining park area and provide many new recreational features based on community input.
In 2016, County Parks installed a new restroom and concessions building at Polo Grounds County Park! Now, all sports leagues, dog-walkers, bike jump track riders and all park users have a well-maintained and permanent restroom facility!
The Santa Cruz County Parks Department, the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, County Park Friends, and Supervisor Zach Friend were honored to plan the reimagining of Willowbrook County Park in memory of Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller. The project included the installation of a beautiful memorial seating area on the east side of the pedestrian walkway bridge, updates to the playground and play surface, and a new flagpole area at the Baseline Drive park entrance.
Led by County Park Friends, the Willowbrook County Park Gutzwiller Memorial campaign’s goal raised money in community donations and sponsorships. A variety of giving opportunities are available.Visit countyparkfriends.org/willowbrook for more information, view schematics of planned park renovations, or to make a donation.
(831) 454-7901
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays
parksinfo@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov
Our physical office is open, but staff availability is limited as most staff members are working remotely.