Programs & Activities | Summer 2022 | Santa Cruz County Parks

2 • Parks, Open Space & Cultural Services As we begin to turn the corner on spring and look towards summer, I am looking forward to the multiple programs for all ages we have to offer, walks in the parks to come, special events to attend, swimming in the newly renovated pool at Simpkins Swim Center and appreciating all the services that the Santa Cruz County Parks Department will continue to offer to our community. As we start to feel like we may be getting closer to the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, it is very exciting to think about all of the upcoming opportunities! A chance for gatherings, to feel connected and the ability to get out and explore our many beautiful parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces again safely! As construction to Simpkins Family Swim Center continues through May, in the interim we are pleased to offer aquatic programming at Harvey West Pool in Santa Cruz via a partnership with the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department – thank you city staff! We are thrilled our community members have a place to swim during this time and look forward to reopening Simpkins Family Swim Center this summer! Additionally, in partnership with the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, we are beginning construction at Simpkins Family Swim Center and Live Oak Community Center with the addition of the Live Oak Library Annex and installation of the new outdoor plaza. Some minor improvements will also be done to the existing infrastructure as part of the project. For more information, please visit our website, scparks.com. Lastly, County Parks is proud to partner with the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and County Park Friends to begin work on memorializing Santa Cr uz County Sheriff’s Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller at Willowbrook County Park. This was a park near and dear to the Gutzwiller family. Updates will include a memorial seating area, flagpole, entry from Baseline Drive enhancements, updated landscaping, a new playground and more inclusive play surfacing. Please visit countyparkfriends.org/Willowbrook to donate. Despite these construction projects, we will continue to offer our dynamic programming and we will even add more! We have also worked diligently to improve the experience of our facility rentals and reservation process. It is now easier than ever for members of the public to book weddings, picnics, or other private events at our wonderful parks and community facilities. Please visit our recently updated website at scparks.com for more information on the projects mentioned above, to reserve a facility, register for a program and so much more! Finally, I would like to thank our Santa Cruz County Parks staff, our docents, volunteers, and non-profit partners. They have all worked tirelessly in providing vibrant new programming under strenuous and tumultuous times and have worked diligently to maintain and beautify our County Parks – THANK YOU!!! All my best, Rebecca Hurley FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Rebecca Hurley

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