Dear Friends & Neighbors,
Here in the northern part of Monterey County, we have a wide assortment of recreational opportunities. There are numerous parks, small and large, some county owned, some owned by other public agencies and some operated by a community. Any list I compose will undoubtedly give short shrift to some parks or even fail to mention some. With summer around the calendar corner, it is a good time to review our nearby parks and recreational facilities.
County Parks
The two longtime County parks in North County are Royal Oaks and Manzanita. Royal Oaks was established in 1966 as the County’s first park. I had the pleasure of attending the Labor Day opening when I was just 7. It was packed. At that time Maher Road ended just past the park. Royal Oaks has had some neglect over the years, but it is slowly coming back as the county reinvests into this valuable social asset. Raising the quality of our parks is an investment that I strongly support. Royal Oaks has two pickleball and tennis courts as well as BBQ pits. It is a great choice for individual and family fun. Manzanita was purchased in 1976 but languished unused until the early 1980s when community members and the county began the long process of building the infrastructure that exists there now. It is well-developed for organized sports, hiking, horseback riding and more.
North County Recreation & Parks District
A separate entity from the county with its own governing board, NCRPD is centered in Castroville and provides everything from senior services to youth activities. I can attest that the lunches provided for seniors are excellent and nutritious, prepared by a chef trained at Rancho Cielo. The District also operates several small parks in Castroville and its environs.
Pajaro Sunny Mesa
Although generally considered a water district, Pajaro Sunny Mesa is actually a service district that does much more than provide water. Pajaro Sunny Mesa developed and maintains Pajaro Park with county assistance.
Salinas
For those close to or living in Salinas, the city maintains multiple parks. Most of the parks are not within District 2, but are easily reachable. There are small neighborhood parks and greenbelts scattered throughout West Salinas, Santa Rita and Creekbridge. One major recreation area with a bright future is the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex at East Laurel Drive and Constitution Boulevard. Major plans exist for expansion of this facility in the next few years.
State Beaches
Over the span of a few short miles of the coast, the state oversees several state beaches. From north to south: Zmudowski, Moss Landing and Salinas River. Zmudowski is currently closed due to flooding of Giberson Road but the other beaches are easily accessible.
Moss Landing Harbor District
The Harbor District operates Kirby Park. It offers small craft and kayak launching into the Elkhorn Slough. In recent years Kirby Park has become more popular for hikers, birdwatchers and those interested in the unique wildlife of the area. The park’s entrance was damaged during the 2017 storms but is now repaired. The dock and walkway that trails along the slough are still need in repair. Larger plans are envisioned for Kirby Park in the years ahead. The area around Kirby Park is also a complicated jurisdictional arrangement of private and public entities that control its roads, surrounding land and the park itself, including the Harbor District, California Department Fish and Wildlife, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Union Pacific Railroad and Monterey County.Community
Parks
The community of Aromas is developing a large park off Aromas Road. The park is completely funded by the community and includes youth soccer fields, a walking trail and a dog park. Many other options are being explored as the park continues to develop.
The added benefit to these many parks is that they are free to the public. They offer a nearby opportunity for all of Monterey County residents to experience the ocean, walk a dog, ride a horse, play pickleball or soccer, and much more.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance. You can reach us at 831-755-5022 or district2@co.monterey.ca.us.
Sincerely,
Glenn Church
District 2 Supervisor
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