Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation Articles

The historic Watsonville landmark is now one step closer to complete restoration

Sometimes making the community better manifests as a better understanding of how nature works. Local birders lead the way.

WATSONVILLE—After two summers of canceled, postponed and altered activities, the City of Watsonville will be bringing back its seasonal offerings in full force this year. From annual events such as the Watsonville Strawberry Festival and the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth …

Find out what readers voted as the best among health and recreation

By Larry Tierney Like many Department of Parks and Recreation employees, I spent part of my 35-year career up at Big Basin. It was my first State Parks job. I’m currently on the Board of Directors of the park’s cooperating …

SOQUEL—The Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriffs' Association (DSA) has offered a $100,000 “challenge” grant to help fund a memorial for Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed on duty on June 6, 2020. The grant is the largest donation in …

The nonprofit purchased 153 acres of redwood forest to add to Big Basin

APTOS—Plans were announced Thursday of a major renovation of Willowbrook County Park to honor the late Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was gunned down in the line of duty in 2020. The project of “reimagining” the park …

The Sempervirens Fund—a group instrumental in the creation of Big Basin State Park over 120 years ago—plans to buy property bordering the park by Jan. 31

By Julie Horner A rain-fresh January outdoors at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Felton California. Inspired hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Take a look.

Skiers are adapting to the dual crises and the popular winter sport is evolving even as snow cover declines around the world

As it embarks on the next phase of pandemic planning, Scotts Valley is pushing forward with its plan to restore parks and recreation activities. Speaking during the most recent Scotts Valley City Council meeting on Dec. 15, Public Works Director …

WATSONVILLE—Less than a week after crews began construction of a new restroom in the City Plaza, the city of Watsonville was awarded a $3.5 million grant from State Parks to renovate the entire historic downtown park. The grant was announced …

SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors at its Tuesday meeting unanimously approved a plan to purchase a parcel of land in Watsonville, with the hopes of one day converting it into a public park. The 38.5-acre parcel at …

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

The famous state park was devastated by the CZU Fire—what will it look like when it comes back.