May 2026 Newsletter
Summer at Spring Lake starts Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day weekend marks the return of summer fun at Spring Lake Regional Park. Starting on Saturday, May 23, the swimming lagoon, café, floating Water Park and kayak and paddleboard rentals open for the season.
These activities will be open weekends only through May, then daily from June 6 through Labor Day. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Water Park: Part playground and part obstacle course, the inflatable 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 $9-$14. Reservations are recommended.
Swimming lagoon: As always, swimming and playing on the beach is free, no reservations needed. Lifeguards on duty and free life jackets available.
Boat rentals: On the lake, paddleboards and single and tandem kayaks can be rented ($15-$20 per hour) from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Spring Lake Cafè: The cafè serves burgers, tacos, ice cream, cold drinks and more. Menu and hours at SpringLake.cafe.
Please note: the summer parking fee is $12 or free for Regional Parks members.
Ride the River Shuttle this summer
Headed to the Russian River this summer? Skip the hassle of finding parking at our most popular river beaches by the Regional Parks River Shuttle, which runs weekends and holidays from Saturday, May 23, through Labor Day.
The shuttle travels to Steelhead and Sunset beaches from El Molino High School in Forestville, where parking is free. All-day tickets are only $5 or free for riders 18 and younger. Plan your trip at SoCoParks.org/Shuttle.
Please note: The summer parking fee is $12 at Sunset Beach, Steelhead Beach, Riverfront Regional Park, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Del Rio Woods and Cloverdale River Park. Regional Parks members park for free.
River safety: Take a jacket, leave a jacket
Wearing a life jacket is the best way to stay safe on the Russian River, where conditions can change seasonally, depending on water flows.
Starting Memorial Day weekend, life jackets are free to use 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.
Most river parks are not lifeguarded, but the Russian River Patrol, a roving team of Regional Parks lifeguards, visits beaches Fridays through Mondays throughout the summer.
Heads up for families: The seasonal dam at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach will be in place by early July, creating a calm, lifeguarded swim spot through Labor Day.
Safer swimmers, best summer ever
We still have a few spots open in our most popular day camps at Spring Lake Regional Park. Check our calendar for session dates and prices.
Our Little Lifesavers camp is designed to help kids ages 7 to 9 build confidence around water through fun games, teamwork and beginner rescue skills.
At New Swimmer Junior Guard, kids ages 10 to 14 spend the week with our lifeguards learning water safety skills, gaining confidence in the water and making new friends.
At Discovery Camp: Water and Nature Adventures, kids ages 7 to 11 will kayak, explore park trails on guided hikes and cool off with swimming and water games at the Spring Lake Water Park.
Help us improve parks: Share your feedback!
What do you love most about your parks? If you haven't yet, please take our quick survey at SoCoParks.org/ParksSurvey and help shape the future of parks, trails and recreation across Sonoma County.
Your input will help us better understand community needs and priorities and guide decisions about park improvements and services. It will also inform ongoing conversations about parks funding, including Measure M – Parks for All, the voter-approved sales tax that supports regional and city parks throughout Sonoma County.
Since 2019, Measure M revenue has helped improve local parks and trails, expand recreation programs, reduce wildfire risk and protect waterways and wildlife. This funding is scheduled to expire in early 2029 unless voters choose to extend it. As we look ahead, your comments will help us plan for the future of parks in Sonoma County.
Become a Park Pal
Are you a park superfan? Become a Park Pal and support the parks, trails and programs you love all year long. Through a special matching campaign, the first 25 people who join the Sonoma County Parks Foundation’s monthly giving program at $25 a month will help unlock an additional $250 donation for environmental education, recreation programs and park improvements.
In addition to supporting regional parks, Park Pals members receive perks throughout the year, including invitations to special park preview events and tickets to Spring Lake's popular Water Bark dog swim. Learn more about becoming a Park Pal today.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
The five-person advisory commission meets on Wednesday, June 3, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. Agenda and meeting materials are posted 72 hours in advance. Learn more about the meetings.
Upcoming holiday closures
Our Santa Rosa office will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. All parks will remain open.
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