Reservation Procedures
Santa Cruz County Parks Department
979 17th Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Facilities Office:
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Phone (831)454-7938
Fax (831)454-7940
Email: reservations@scparks.com
Due to COVID-19, information on this page is subject to change.
For the latest information regarding reservations and COVID-19, check the COVID-19 webpage or email Reservations staff at reservations@scparks.com, or call (831) 454-7938.
The Facilities Office of the Santa Cruz County Parks Department is a dynamic division within the parks and recreation department. We are proud to offer beautiful facilities and exceptional customer service.
From neighborhood parks to large regional parks, there is something for everyone in our well-maintained and designed parks and facilities. Most parks are available for drop-in use for small or unorganized groups (25-30 persons maximum, portable BBQ's and propane cookers are not permitted); however the picnic pavilions and indoor facilities require a reservation. If you are planning an outdoor event, there are covered picnic areas and athletic fields available by reservation only.
View Parks Features for information about amenities available at each park. Explore our website for more information on parks and reservable facilities. Please contact the Facilities office with any additional questions or inquiries.
Park Hours: Parks are open from dawn to dusk. For available hours for reservations at County Parks facilities, please review the conditions of use specific to each facility type.
Reservation Procedures: Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis within one year in advance of the desired date. Rental fees are due at the time of the booking. The following forms of payment are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, check, cash or money order. Before making a reservation, please familiarize yourself with the facility conditions of use. Please note: online reservations are now available for picnics at Anna Jean Park Pavilion A and B, Brommer Park Pavilion and Patio, Jose Avenue Park Pavilion, and Pinto Lake Park Pavilion A and B. As of April 1, 2019 the lower picnic area at Highlands Park, formerly known as the Redwood Deck Picnic Area will be available by reservation only.
Reservations can be made in one of three ways:
- Online Picnic reservations are now available. Please go to 'Book a Facility', 'Group Picnic Areas', 'Book online'.
- Download and submit a Reservation Request Form for picnic areas, centers and meeting rooms from the website. Request Forms can be emailed, faxed, mailed in or dropped by the Facilities office with payment. Be sure to review the agreement to hold harmless and conditions of use. Once reservation is booked, indoor center rentals require an originally signed permit, Conditions of Use, Sound Permit, and Alcohol Permit if applicable.
- Call the Facilities Office during office hours, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Phone-in reservations require a payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover cards. The permit paperwork will be emailed or mailed for signatures and are due back within 5 to 10 days from the day of payment. Permits will be mailed with more than four weeks notice of the event date. Less than four weeks notice will require emailing of the permit documents.
- Stop by our Facilities Office Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm to complete the reservation. County Parks offices are located on the second floor at the Simpkins Family Swim Center at 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Weekend or after-hours contact information:
If you require non-emergency response while at a county park, please call County Dispatch at 471-1170.
Patrol and enforcement in County Parks:
Santa Cruz County Parks and the Sheriffs Department have collaborated efforts in order to provide enforcement and patrol in County Parks. Sheriff deputies and community service officers patrol parks daily in an effort to maintain safe parks for public enjoyment. Click here to learn more. If you are in a County Park and need Sheriff's assistance, call the Sheriffs Dispatch number at (831)471-1121.
Animals in County Parks:
Dogs are allowed on leash only at all County Parks, with the exception of Quail Hollow Ranch and Scott Creek Beach due to their sensitive habitats. We are also proud to offer three dog parks for your enjoyment at the Polo Grounds at 2255 Huntington Drive in Aptos and Pinto Lake County Park at 757 Green Valley Road in Watsonville, and the future park site, Chanticleer Park, in Live Oak. Please view the brochure for more information about dogs in the parks. In general, livestock is not allowed in County Parks.
Special Events:
The County Parks Department is pleased to offer attractive venues for larger special events, such as festivals and community events, pending department approval. Availability and capacity vary per park. Entire park rentals may take place once per quarter. Large event options are available monthly for non-profit organizations. If you are interested in a larger special event at a county park, please call (831)454-7954 to discuss details and receive an application. New events, such as entire park rentals, may require one year's notice due to detailed conditions of use.
Commemorative Program:
The Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services has created a Commemorative program as a way for people to honor and commemorate individuals, families or organizations. It is a special way to provide a funding source for trees, benches and picnic tables needed in County Parks. Download our brochure for more information. Please call (831)454-7954 for additional questions and information.
Garden Plots:
Garden plots are located at Jose Avenue Park, Felt Street Park, and the future site of Chanticleer Park, which are all in Live Oak, and the Farm Park in Soquel. Annual garden plot permits cost $65 resident / $70 non-resident (fees are subject to change) and are renewable annually before spring. Availability varies per park. If there are no garden plots currently available to rent, your name can be added to a waitlist and we will select in the order of sign-up during renewal period in spring, or as plots become available.We will select gardeners for new community garden parks with a lottery from the waitlist. Contact the Facilities office if you would like to have your name added to a waitlist. Emails can be sent to reservations@scparks.com, which should include your name and contact information. Download our brochure for more information.