Looking for a really memorable gift this holiday season? How about redwood picnic table with an inscription of your choice placed at local state park or beaches.
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has more than 200 “Tribute Tables” available to be placed in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.
The minimum donation for a Tribute Table is $2,500; proceeds support local state parks and beaches.
Tribute Tables is a collaborative project between Friends and California State Parks, launched in 2019. Park supporters can honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone or demonstrate community support with their engraved message.
For Alex Conway, it was a lovely surprise for her partner Gilbert for his birthday. The couple regularly walks together with their dogs at Manresa Uplands State Beach. Alex thought a Tribute Table there would be a wonderful way to celebrate him and their relationship.
“Since we came to this beach a lot, I thought this could be kind of a fun
surprise for Gilbert,” she said. “He’s a terrific person and he’s a great gift giver. He’s very thoughtful, and I just thought, ‘Oh he will not be expecting this’ so I was trying to one up him.”
So far, 100 new picnic tables have been ordered or installed.
“Tribute Tables are a meaningful way to show appreciation for a loved one or special milestone in your life while supporting our beloved state parks and beaches,” Friends Executive Director Bonny Hawley said. “A gift of a Tribute Table also will give park visitors a place to pause and reflect, or to take a break to celebrate.”
In Santa Cruz County, Tribute Tables are available to dedicate in day-use areas and campgrounds at 19 state parks and beaches: The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Seacliff State Beach, Sunset State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, Castro Adobe State Historic Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Manresa Uplands State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Rancho del Oso Unit of Big Basin State Park, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Castle Rock State Park.
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To learn more, visit www.thatsmypark.org/tribute-tables or contact Jo Kenny at [email protected] or (831) 429-1840, ext. 312.