Santa Cruz County Local News: Parks & Recreation


All Local Parks & Recreation News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

Image caption: The Baldwin Hills area in South Los Angeles is one region where a state conservancy would keep open land accessible to the public.
California’s 10 State Conservancies: How They Protect Parks and Open Land

How California’s 10 state conservancies buy up open land and shield it from developers to preserve the natural environment for public use.

Image caption: There are more than 300 community service districts in California.
Community Services Districts, Explained

Community service districts can do most anything a city government can do. Here’s how they work and how to start one.

California Local Pin Marker From The Mercury News...

05/09/2025
An update on the reopening of Yosemite Park facilities and roads as the snow is cleared and spring takes hold.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

05/07/2025
Look to the skies over the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as it debuts a drone light show on May 17.

Good Times logo From Good Times...

05/06/2025
Image for display with article titled unSCruz Brings Four Days of Creativity to Hollister

Around 3,000 people poured into the 13th annual unSCruz gathering May 3–5 at the San Benito County Fairgrounds. The four-day mix of freestyle art projects, bizarre vehicles, outlandish costumes, food and drink, music, dance and more went its course this year with a theme of “Cosmic Odyssey.”

California Local Pin Marker From The Mercury News...

04/30/2025
On April 29, the administration released rules for Yosemite Park Reservations in the coming months.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

04/26/2025
The second annual 'Day in the Park' was held on April 26 at San Lorenzo Park.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

04/24/2025
Image for display with article titled Freedom Rotary Boosts Local Park

Flodberg Park lies in the center of a neighborhood at the end of Alvarado Street, a tiny place with a grassy field, a blacktop, a play structure and tables for picnics.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo From San Lorenzo Valley Post...

04/22/2025
Image for display with article titled Lupine and Wild Iris at Quail Hollow Ranch

Lupin near the Discovery Loop at Quail Hollow Ranch Park in Felton, and the wild Iris are having a field day!

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

04/16/2025
Renovations to the Capitola Community Center at Jade Street Park are set to begin, with construction expected to last about one year.

California Local Pin Marker From National Park Service...

04/12/2025
Entrance is free to all National Parks on April 19 to kick off the annual National Parks Week this year from April 19-27. Get ready to get outdoors to celebrate America's Best Idea.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

04/11/2025
Image for display with article titled $12 Million Campaign Aims to Secure Elkhorn Slough

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation launched a new “Elkhorn Forever” campaign with a kick-off celebration Tuesday, with the goal of raising $12 million.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo From San Lorenzo Valley Post...

04/10/2025
Image for display with article titled Clampers Install New Safety Fence at Junction Park

Members of E. Clampus Vitus Branciforte Chapter 1797 helped out at Junction Park in Boulder Creek this past winter by putting up a safety fence.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

04/10/2025
Following the retirement announcement from current manager Zeke Fraser, the Santa Cruz County Fair has begin the search for a replacement.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

04/07/2025
Following the partial collapse of a section of the popular Capitola coastal path, local officials are uncertain about whether repairs can be, or should be, made.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

04/07/2025
Roaring Camp Railroads will be hosting the second annual Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival on May 3 and 4.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

04/04/2025
Image for display with article titled Mesa Village County Park Gets a Boost

The Mesa Village community teamed up with Watsonville Wetlands Watch (WWW), Pitch-In Santa Cruz County and 4th District Supervisor Felipe Hernandez on March 29 to add new life to Mesa Village County Park. 

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

04/03/2025
Image for display with article titled Progress Continues on Pump Track at Felton Park

After months of public petitions, contentious meetings and letters to the editor, the planned installation of a pump track at Felton Covered Bridge Park is officially underway.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo From San Lorenzo Valley Post...

04/02/2025
Image for display with article titled Quail Hollow Ranch Pace Family Wilderness Trail

Sign up to volunteer for the Quail Hollow Ranch County Park Trails Construction project, a trail-building endeavor that will expand the Quail Hollow's existing 4.5-mile trail network into the Pace Family Wilderness, a 79.5-acre parcel that was gifted to County of Santa Cruz Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services in 1997. 

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/02/2025
Rural counties are some of the most reliant on federal funding and federal workers. But some still welcome Trump’s upcoming cuts to forestry and other departments

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo From San Lorenzo Valley Post...

03/28/2025
Image for display with article titled Redwood Trail Hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Out and about in the early spring air! Contiguous days of delightfully warm weather under blue skies has been inspiration to hit local trails. Monday's hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park included a spin around the Redwood Trail near the welcome area and parking lot then a loop: Up the Dool Trail to Sunset Trail, down Gazos Road, and back to the Lower Dool for a life-affirming one-hour jaunt. The forest is recovering, the birdsong simply delightful!

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

03/27/2025
Image for display with article titled Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground Reopening Delayed

California State Parks has announced the delayed reopening of the seasonal campground at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, now scheduled for Aug. 1, instead of the previously set April 1 date. This delay, attributed to adverse weather and supply chain issues, affects crucial infrastructure upgrades, including accessibility improvements.