Pinto Lake Park

757 Green Valley Road, Watsonville

Photo of Pinto Lake Park 

Description

Something for everyone can be found at this 183 acre regional park, which has a beautiful lake with a fishing pier and surrounding nature trails, playground, two large reservable picnic pavilions for 100 persons maximum, additional drop-in use picnic area for small groups of 30 persons maximum, and wheelchair accessible restrooms. Turtle Dove, a public art project by artist Roberto Castro and youth from the JTPA program, can be found at the park; trail markers highlight the wildlife which can be viewed along the nature trail. Soccer fields and two pavilions with BBQs are available by reservation (see below). There is also a small reservable baseball field. See the location where locals believe the Virgin Mary appeared.  A disc golf course is the newest attraction to Pinto Lake Park. Free Little Library. Alcohol is not permitted.

Park Hours

The 2 pavillions are available by reservation only 7 days a week from 10:00am to 7:00pm, however reservation end time varies according to the season. The drop-in, 30 persons maximum picnic use area is available daily from dawn to dusk at the picnic tables closer to the parking lot. Music is permitted with your reserved picnic at the pavilions from 12:00pm-5:00pm in the months of May through September only with our issued Sound Permit. 

Photo of Pinto Lake Park PlaygroundReservable Picnic Areas

Pavillions A and B are perfect outdoor locations for family and company picnics. Available by reservation only. They offer privacy for your group and a comfortable, scenic oasis for your enjoyment. Capacity is 100 maximum. 1 large bbq and 12 picnic tables are included. A jump house may be added at the time of the reservation only with the permit fee paid and the required insurance (list of vendors who have provided their insurance is available). Portable bbq's and cookstoves (i.e.propane stoves, comal pozo/disco) are not permitted at the park. Alcohol is not permitted.

Pavillion A is the first covered picnic area upon entering the park. It is closest to the playground and near public restrooms.

Pavillion B is the second covered picnic area located at the far end of the park. Public restrooms are nearby. It offers privacy for your group.

Check Availability:     Picnic Area A     Picnic Area B

As of January 1, 2018 a deposit will no longer be required per picnic reservation at Pinto Lake Park. However the following are not permitted at county parks: portable bbq's and cookstoves (i.e. propane stoves, comal pozo/discos) and no disposal of cooking oil at the park (including garbage receptacles). No charcoal, ash, or cooking oil disposal on park property; must be safely disposed of away from the park.

Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Walk-in reservations can be made at the Simpkins Family Swim Center at 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9am-4pm. Please allow one month before event date for phone reservations, and 5 days for walk-in. Cash, check or Visa/Mastercard accepted. For more information, please call (831)454-7938.

Directions

From Highway 1 south, exit onto Airport Boulevard, on Green Valley Road make a left. From Highway 1 north, take the Airport Boulevard exit, turn left onto Airport Blvd to Green Valley Road, go left. You will go past Pinto Lake City Park and will see Pinto Lake County Park. Make a left turn into the park.

 

 

Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services
979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
General Information (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Phone: (831) 454-7901PRCweb@santacruzcountyca.gov