Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach dam will not be installed in 2022

Due to ongoing drought conditions and reduced river flows, Sonoma County Regional Parks is unable to install the summer dam on the Russian River at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach in 2022. 

The river flow is too low to meet necessary environmental conditions for dam installation. With the low flow conditions, not installing the dam also reduces the potential for stagnant water and algae blooms and preserves water storage in Lake Mendocino to support fish habitats later in the season.

During normal flow years, Regional Parks traditionally installs a seasonal dam just downstream from Healdsburg’s Memorial Bridge, creating a lifeguarded swimming area from late June through early September. However, Regional Parks did not install the dam in 2021 or 2020 due to water flow restrictions and pandemic impacts. 

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is open for summer recreation with river conditions suitable for wading, shallow swimming and paddling. Lifeguards are on duty daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and loaner life vests are available for free use. The park also features a wide sandy beach for sunbathing and lawns and picnic areas.   

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is at 13839 Old Redwood Highway and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Admission is free. Parking is $7 or free with a Regional Parks membership.