The Watsonville area is set to get its first county park in decades.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the purchase of a 38.5-acre parcel on Whiting Road, an unused patch of low-lying woodland that sits between two agricultural fields, and adjacent to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
Once completed, the park, at 188 Whiting Road, will include athletic fields, a demonstration farm and a nature trail, among other things.
Construction is expected to take about 18 months.
“Seeing this vision become reality is a dream come true for South County constituents and all Santa Cruz County residents,” Supervisor Felipe Hernandez said. “We are proud to have finally secured this land on behalf of the community and look forward to opening it to the public.”
The $2.3 million purchase will benefit South County, where there is a dearth of recreational space. It will be the second park since Pinto Lake County Park was purchased in 1974.
“Parks mean health equity,” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend. “This new park will provide recreational and educational opportunities to residents that are desperately needed. Anyone that visits Polo Grounds on the weekend can see how popular, and needed, that regional park is. Having another option for community gatherings, families and sports teams will improve the quality of life for South County residents.”
County officials say that the park will provide a place for South County residents to engage in physical activity, the lack of which can have detrimental health effects.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting regular exercise can prevent weight gain, reduce the risks of ailments such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes and improve sleep quality, among other things.
Santa Cruz County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney says that opportunities to develop new parks do not come along often.
“Once completed, this will be an oasis that draws residents from across Santa Cruz County, and we look forward to working with the community and partners such as County Parks Friends to bring this facility to life,” he said.
How wonderful for Watsonville/South County residents. I encourage folks to write to Zach Friend and Jeff Gaffney about adding a pool (similar to Simpkins Swim Center) to the mix for future developments in that space, as well.
Great news, a pool would be an excellent addition. I grew up in Watsonville in the 1960-1970’s and it will always be my home.