The County is seeking a parcel tax of $8.50 on all improved parcels within the unincorporated County and outside of already existing recreation and park districts. The tax is anticipated to generate approximately $355,000 per year for County parks maintenance, operations, and programs. The new parcel tax is to replace the current annual service charge of $6.58 per residential unit that is due to expire at the end of the Fiscal Year on June 30, 2014.
The proposed parcel tax would provide funding for cleaning of park restrooms, pickup of garbage at all County parks, beaches and open space areas, and the maintenance and repair of recreational and restroom facilities. In addition, the funds would also be used to continue to offer activities including after-school and summer recreation programs for youth and children, as well as swim lessons and arts and science enrichment throughout the year.
County Parks includes 59 parks, beach access and open space areas encompassing over 1400 acres. In addition, to programs and activities for children, senior programming provides opportunities for older residents to maintain fitness and an active lifestyle. Parks staff also oversees the County’s Public Art Program.
Here are some of the county parks in the Capitola/Soquel/Live Oak area.
Anna Jean Cummings Park – 461 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel
This 95-acre park is located next to Soquel High School on Old San Jose Road in Soquel. It offers a large modern playground, a large pavilion style picnicking area and multiple athletic fields. Park Hours 8am to dusk with parking areas in both the upper and lower areas of the park.
Brommer Street Park – 1451 30th Ave., Live Oak
This 7-acre neighborhood park is located on the corner of 30th and Brommer Street Live Oak. It has basketball, tennis, softball, a playground, covered picnic area, and an abundant grassy area and bathrooms available year round. Park Hours Sunrise to sunset with a 38-space parking lot.
Coffee Lane Park – End of Coffee Lane, Live Oak
This 2.7-acre neighborhood park is located at the end of Coffee Lane in Live Oak. Wheelchair accessible playground, a basketball court and picnic tables are available. Park Hours Sunrise to sunset. A small 10-space parking lot.
Floral Park – 656 38th Ave., Live Oak
A 0.9-acre park that offers family picnic areas with BBQs, a playground, and sand volleyball court. Park Hours Sunrise to sunset. Parking is on street.
Jose Avenue Park – End of Jose Ave., Live Oak
The County Parks’ first ever ‘skate park’ along with a community garden, basketball court, play structure, art, an open field and restrooms. Park Hours 8 a.m. until dusk. Twenty parking spaces.
Moran Lake Park – East Cliff Dr. near 26th Ave., Live Oak
This 9.2-acre regional park with restrooms provides beach access, picnicking, surfing and fishing with proper licenses. Park Hours 8 a.m. till Sunset with 40 parking spaces.
Richard Vessey Park – 3203 Maplethorpe Lane, Soquel
A 1-acre park neighborhood park with Playground equipment, Picnic tables, Barbeque pits, Benches and Lawn area. No off street parking.
Soquel Lions – Main/E. Walnut, Soquel
The park is divided into two areas by the Soquel Creek. On the Main Street side (east) of the creek is a small children’s playground and picnic areas. A plaza, with benches and a kiosk, leads to the bridge that crosses Soquel Creek. On the Soquel Elementary School side of the creek is a baseball diamond with a large meadow as its outfield.
Twin Lakes Park – 520 7th Ave, Live Oak
This 1.4-acre neighborhood park has tennis courts, picnic tables, lawn, a wheelchair accessible basketball court, pirate ship playground and restrooms. A playful sculpture of an otter touching its tail, by artist Paula Zima, is especially popular with children. Park Hours Dawn till dusk. No off street parking
Willowbrook Park – 2950 Willowbrook Lane, Soquel
Windfalls, by artist Alan Counihan, greet visitors to this 6.3-acre neighborhood park. Basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas with BBQs, and a playground are available. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Park Hours Sunrise to Sunset. No off street parking.