TranslateAugust 2024 Newsletter
Doran Beach: what to know before you go
Doran Regional Park is one Sonoma County's most popular parks, attracting thousands of visitors every year from all over California and beyond. Its location on Bodega Bay offers numerous activities, including camping and kayaking. It gets busy in the summertime, so if you're heading that way, check out this video to help make the most of your visit.
Maxwell Farms Regional Park gets upgrades
Come see what's new at Maxwell Farms Regional Park in Sonoma! Recent improvements include all-weather baseball, soccer and lacrosse fields; new buildings for restrooms and future concessions; expanded parking with more ADA-accessible spaces; new EV charging stations; and ADA-accessible pathways to the sports fields, playground, picnic areas and spectator seating.
Fundraising is underway for a second phase of improvements that will feature a renovated skatepark, new bicycle pump track, pickleball courts and upgrades to backcountry trails.
New stairs at Pinnacle Gulch
A new 101-step stairway on the Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail in Bodega Bay is finished! With better drainage and surfacing, the trail is now safer to use and erosion-resistant. Plus, enjoy a rest on the new trailside bench, with stunning Pacific views on a clear day.
The comprehensive trail renovation was made possible by the Sonoma County Parks Foundation, including a grant from Kaiser Permanente and individual donor contributions, and hard work from our Regional Parks’ Youth Crew career pathways program and partners with Redwood Trails Alliance.
Acquisition links thousands of acres of public lands
We've added a small but significant addition to Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. Known as 100-Acre Ranch, this property serves as the linchpin that connects a 11,000-acre network of protected lands stretching from Santa Rosa to Kenwood. It's like adding a missing puzzle piece to the ecological and recreational landscape of the southern Mayacamas Mountains. With this acquisition, we can look forward to one day traveling by trail from Rincon Valley to Hood Mountain to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park!
All things Gravenstein
It’s time to celebrate the Gravenstein apple on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10-11, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. This sweet fair offers live music on two stages, all things Gravenstein in Apple Alley, and delicious local food. Adults can enjoy craft ciders, microbrews, and premium wines. Kids will be entertained with activities, farm animals, and demonstrations. Regional Park members enjoy free parking.
Water Bark returns in September
Tickets are on sale for Spring Lake's most famous doggie event: Water Bark! This popular annual event, which opens the fenced-in swimming lagoon for dogs to romp and splash off leash, returns on Saturday, Sept. 8, and runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through September (except Sept. 14). The Water Bark is a fundraiser for the Sonoma County Parks Foundation, which helps support more than 50 dog-friendly parks and trails.
Advance tickets are $8 for regional parks members; $12 for non-members. Season passes are $50.Tickets at the gate are $10 for members; $15 for non-members.
While the human swim season at the swimming lagoon ends on Labor Day, boat and stand up paddle rentals on Spring Lake will continue on Water Bark weekends through September. Boats and SUPs can be reserved at SoCoParks.org/Aquatics.
We're looking for Youth Commissioners
The Sonoma County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission is accepting applications for youth commissioner – an opportunity to serve the community in a leadership role, learn about local government and engage with Regional Parks staff to explore careers in the outdoors.
The youth commissioner program is a volunteer advisory position for 16- to 24-year-olds. Commissioners serve a two-year term and attend six commission meetings annually in Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. Deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Aug. 16 at SoCoParks.org/Apply
For more info on the Commission, visit SoCoParks.org/PRAC or email us at parkspublicmeetings@sonoma-county.org.
Featured events
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Hikes with HoundsAre you a dog lover and want to spend quality time with your pup in the parks? Good news: You are barking up the right tree with this hike on Friday, Aug. 16! You and your four-legged companion can enjoy the future Mark West Creek Regional Park and Preserve on this free evening hike, 5-6:30 p.m. No registration required. |
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Settle Down at SundownTake a deep breath at twilight: Wind down your day by taking in the tranquility of Ragle Ranch Regional Park at sunset on Friday, Aug. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. Connect with nature and enjoy an evening focusing on wellness and relaxation. Registration required. |
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Leave No TraceExplore the fundamentals of low-impact recreation and Leave No Trace at Spring Lake's Environmental Discovery Center. Join us on Aug. 31 or Sept. 1 for a free drop in Leave No Trace exhibit, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Leave with your very own nature journal to document your future Leave No Trace adventures. |
Choose your own adventure
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Sonoma County Regional Parks
2300 County Center Drive, Suite 120A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2041
ParksMarketing@Sonoma-County.org
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