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Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation Articles



Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Rio Del Mar Walkway Battle Continues

County says it will appeal recent ruling that allowed homeowners to block walkway

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Big Basin Inspires Historical Reenactment

A theatrical performance based on Traci Bliss’ book, ‘Big Basin Redwood Forest: California’s Oldest State Park’

Press Banner logo LOCAL NEWS
Torched Trees Given New Life as Fencing For Landmark

Those familiar with the popular Vancouver Island lumberjack show “Big Timber” on Netflix, know the riveting storylines that emerge from working with giant trees—and the care it takes to do historic preservation right. Down here in California, in the state’s 


Image caption: Though the Santa Cruz Mountains are known for redwoods and other evergreens, deciduous trees bring color to autumn hikes.
Splendor in the Leaves

We asked the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to share a few of their favorite things about autumn in the Monterey Bay region.

Santa Cruz Local logo LOCAL NEWS
Opening delayed at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

Five trails nearly complete, work stops on parking lot

Image caption: The newly opened Presidio Tunnel Tops provides free entertainment in pricy San Francisco.
Cheaper Thrills

California has some top-notch tourist attractions—with top-shelf prices. Here are some that won’t break the bank.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
Big Basin Park Reopens July 22

By Julie Horner Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopens on Friday, July 22, 2022, with limited day-use access by reservation only. The reservation system opens on Friday, July 1, 2022. The Redwood Loop near the former visitor center and approximately 


Image caption: Breeding wood ducks, blooming coastal bush lupines, and farewell-to-spring blossom are among the summer delights in Santa Cruz County.
Summer Sensations

We asked the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to highlight the area’s most thrilling warm-weather attractions.

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Gets a New Roof

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

Image caption: A red-tailed hawk on a light pole overlooking downtown Santa Cruz.
Citizen Science

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

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
Watsonville events, camps and more to return this summer

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 


Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Best of Santa Cruz County 2022: Health and Recreation

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

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
A Look at Big Basin

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 


The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
Deputy Sheriffs’ Association makes record donation for memorial park

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 


Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Sempervirens Fund Completes a Tall Order

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

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
County park will honor late Sheriff’s deputy

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 


Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Sempervirens Fund Plans to Grow Big Basin State Park By 153 Acres

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

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
Photography: Winter Hike at Quail Hollow Ranch Park

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.

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