TranslateMay 2024 Newsletter
Get your splash on at Spring Lake
Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, marks the summer opening of Spring Lake Regional Park's swimming lagoon, floating Water Park and kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Part playground and part obstacle course, the inflatable, floating Water Park is for kids (at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall) and adults who like to make a splash – and a hop, flip and a jump! Tickets are $10 for a two-hour session, and reservations are encouraged.
As always, swimming at the lagoon and playing on the beach is free, no reservations needed. Swim hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m., with lifeguards on duty and free life jackets available.
On the lake, single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented ($14-$18 per hour) from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Two-wheeled wanders
May is Bike to Wherever Month – the perfect excuse to ditch four wheels for two and seek new adventures in one of Northern California's top cycling destinations: Sonoma County! Whether you're looking for road or dirt, read our blog with top picks for parks with gentle rollers for beginners to hardcore hills for experts. It's time to ride!
Let's go fly a kite
Imagine a sky filled with dozens of colorful kites dancing in the breeze. Picture a beach dotted with sandcastles – some intricate, some playful. These scenes await at Castles & Kites at Doran Beach on Saturday, May 18. Join local kite vendors, their flying teams and amateur and professional sand sculptors for a fun day at the beach. Bring your own kite or buy one there.
Ride the Regional Parks River Shuttle
If you're heading to the Russian River this summer, avoid parking headaches and reduce your carbon footprint by riding Regional Parks River Shuttle. Starting May 25, the shuttle runs weekends and holidays from El Molino High School in Forestville to Steelhead and Sunset beaches. All-day tickets are only $5, and kids ride free. New this year: A shuttle connection from the SMART Train to the river beaches!
Take a jacket, leave a jacket
Wearing a life jacket is the best way to stay safe on the Russian River. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, life jackets are on free loan at Del Rio Woods, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Steelhead Beach, Forestville River Access and Sunset Beach. Just borrow one for the day and put it back when you leave.
Heads up for families: The summer dam at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach will be in place in early July, creating a calm, lifeguarded swim spot through Labor Day.
Featured events
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Settle Down at SundownTake a deep breath at twilight: Wind down your day by taking in the tranquility of North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. Connect with nature and enjoy an evening focusing on wellness and relaxation. |
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Trivia in the ParkTest your nature knowledge while soaking up Spring Lake Regional Park’s landscape. Answer questions about the region's unique plants and animals, stunning views and outdoor adventures. Afterward, take a victory lap walk around Spring Lake at sunset. |
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Wilderness First AidFirst aid after dark: Expand your wilderness first aid knowledge while immersing yourself in an evening of adventure at Riverfront Regional Park. Learn essential skills to handle emergencies in the wilderness, with the added challenge of exploring after sunset. |
You can be a life saver too!
Did you know that the nonprofit Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation helps us keep swimmers safe, thanks to donors like you?
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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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