Santa Cruz County officials on Friday cut the ribbon on the first new park to open in South County’s unincorporated region in decades.
The 38.5-acre Valle del Pájaro (Valley of the Birds) County Park, under the mantle of Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services, is now open to the public at 188 Whiting Road.
The fallowed organic parcel, where watercress was once farmed, now features a walking loop trail, ADA-accessible parking, picnic areas, a demonstration pond and plenty of plans to grow as part of the first phase of the park’s development.
“Coming up to that open gate and to this beautiful new road and a County Park sign—I was like, oh my goodness, we have a new park,” said Elissa Benson, Assistant County Executive Officer. “This is the first new County park in a very, very long time, which represents our value to equity in this community.”
On June 10, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the park’s name, the first Spanish-language name for a park in county history. That idea was brought forth by Supervisor Hernandez and shaped by the Parks Department, County Park Friends and others.
“The opening of Valle del Pájaro Santa Cruz County Park is a milestone for South County—an area that has long faced disparities in access to parks and open space,” Hernandez said. “This park represents our commitment to equity and environmental justice, ensuring that families in Watsonville and beyond have more opportunities to enjoy nature, play and connect as a community. I’m excited to help shape the future of this space with input from the people it’s meant to serve. To everyone who made this park possible: Thank you. I also want to thank my predecessor, who was part of this process, Supervisor Greg Caput.”
County Parks Deputy Director Rebecca Hurley added, “This investment in South County brings us tremendous joy to be able to give residents another fantastic option for outdoor use and availability of open space.”
The park is now open to the public, from sunrise to sunset, with additional interim features slated for installation in 2026 as County Parks invites community input to help create a master plan.
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