The public is invited to an opening ceremony for Valle del Pájaro County Park, a new South County park in Watsonville. The County of Santa Cruz Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services, and Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, announced the opening that will take place July 11 at 10am at 188 Whiting Road.
In 2023 the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved the acquisition of the new 38.5-acre park. Since then, the County Parks Department has been planning and working on the various features for Valle del Pájaro based on community surveys.
The park features a walking loop trail, ADA-accessible parking, picnic areas and a road from the entrance of the park to the parking area as part of the first phase of interim features. Valle del Pájaro is the first new park in unincorporated South County in decades.
“The park supports the department’s strategic plan goal of equity,” planners said. “It will advance
opportunities for people who have traditionally had limited access to parks and open spaces, supporting their health and well-being.”
Hernandez, who contributed funding for the project through his office, added, “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. 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.”
On June 10, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the naming of Valle del Pájaro County Park, the first Spanish-language name for a park in county history.
The park is now open to the public, with additional interim features slated for installation in 2026 as County Parks conducts community engagement to generate a park master plan.
For information, contact pa*******@***************ca.gov.
