Starting Aug. 7, the City of Santa Cruz is closing some parks and canceling some programs for the fall.
Temporary closures and cancellations for the fall include: Athletics and leagues, community events and special events scheduled for the Civic Auditorium, Lower DeLaveaga Park and George Washington Grove and Laurel Park.
Park restrooms will be replaced by portable restrooms and hand-washing stations at Grant Park, San Lorenzo Park, Frederick St. Park, Ocean View Park, Neary Lagoon, and Garfield Park.
“Due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parks and Recreation Department has seen a temporary reduction in staffing levels. The department is examining how best to deploy our existing resources given this reduction. We will be focusing our efforts on facilities and programs allowed to run under state guidelines,” Director of Parks and Recreation Tony Elliot said.
The Civic Auditorium and Louden Nelson Community Center will also remain closed for public programs. The department is exploring possibilities to be repurposed to provide much-needed additional space for government activities, childcare, or homelessness response during the pandemic.
The San Lorenzo Park Benchlands will be closed to the general public but will continue to be a managed encampment for people experiencing homelessness in partnership with Santa Cruz County.
The fall activity guide will be posted the week of Aug.10, and registration for classes begins Aug.17. Classes offered will primarily be virtual with a small number of in-person outdoor fitness classes for adults.
For information, visit santacruzparksandrec.com