Community Outreach
Being outdoors promotes healthy bodies, minds and communities. At Sonoma County Regional Parks, we deliver these essential benefits through community engagement programs and outreach provided within a framework of equity, diversity, inclusion and cultural sensitivity. Many of these programs are supported by the Sonoma County Parks Foundation.
We collaborate with community organizations to help connect people with nature, via their regional parks. We recognize the need for increased access for BIPOC, low-income, LGBTQIA2+ communities, and people with disabilities. If you’re interested in learning more about our outreach efforts, partnering on a program, requesting an activity for your organization or inviting us to a community event, we want to hear from you. Reach out to start the conversation and explore how we can work together.
Youth Development
Regional Parks’ Career Pathways Youth Crew supports young adults ages 18 to 24 as they build job skills and explore careers in parks and land stewardship. Crew members work alongside Regional Parks field staff, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the care of public lands.
With support from community-based youth organizations, the program offers paid opportunities for young people who have faced barriers to employment, helping them develop confidence, skills and pathways toward long-term careers.
YES! Parks
Regional Parks launched the YES! Parks (Youth Exploring Sonoma) program in 2017 to engage and connect young people ages 13–18 with the outdoors. Since its launch, the program has expanded to include both summer and school-year sessions.
This program runs over several months and includes group outings to a variety of local parks and preserves. Participants have opportunities to engage in outdoor recreation, team-building and wellness activities, develop environmental literacy, and connect with peers.
Senior Programs
We believe parks should be welcoming at every stage of life. For older adults, time outdoors supports physical health, mental well-being and social connection. We offer programs that encourage gentle movement, fresh air and shared experiences to help reduce isolation and encourage people to stay active.
We also partner with organizations serving older adults to create customized experiences that reflect their needs and interests, supporting healthy aging in inclusive park settings.
Bilingual Programs
We welcome partnerships with organizations that serve Spanish-speaking communities and share our goal of connecting people with the parks. Through these collaborations, Regional Parks offers regular programs in Spanish that make it easier for families and individuals to feel comfortable, informed and included outdoors.
Bilingual offerings vary by season and may include family-friendly hikes, coastal crabbing experiences, dog training classes and creative art activities.
Affordable Access
We offer partial camp scholarships to cover 75% of the cost of summer camps and after-school enrichment programs for qualified applicants. These funds are made possible by the Sonoma County Parks Foundation.Sonoma County Regional Parks and Sonoma County Library have teamed up to offer patrons a convenient way to enjoy nature: free day-use parking passes. These passes are available to check out at all library branches, providing library patrons access to 60-plus Sonoma County Regional parks, beaches and trails.
Vehicle Entry Program
Annual low-cost vehicle entry passes are available for Sonoma County residents with limited incomes. Through the vehicle entry program (VEP), eligible residents can purchase a $5 parking pass that provides 12 months of vehicle entry at all Sonoma County Regional Parks.
The program supports Sonoma County Regional Parks’ commitment to creating healthy communities by providing equitable access for all people to experience the myriad benefits and activities parks provide. The program is implemented in partnership with Sonoma County Human Services (CalFresh and Cal Works), schools and community organizations.
Getting in Touch
Please contact us if you’d like more information about our outreach programs and potential collaborations.
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