News and Events
Weather/fire updates, park closures
Other Information
Great American Backyard Campout teaches teens outdoor skills
In an effort to encourage children to lead more active lives, the County Parks and Recreation Department has teamed with the National Wildlife Federation and other local agencies to host San Diego's second annual Great American Backyard Campout at 4S Ranch Community Park on June 28, 2008.
"This is a unique opportunity to connect youth with the outdoors," said Renée Bahl, Director of County Parks and Recreation. "This event offers kids exposure to the environment and teaches them skills to be more active."
The campout is part of a nationwide movement to inspire kids, families, and neighbors to seek the outdoors for entertainment. This event will provide a host of exercises to keep the mind and body active. The campout will provide more than 150 adolescents the opportunity to experience the outdoors and join thousands of Americans across the country in camping out with nature. For many of these teens, the campout will be their first opportunity to participate in camping activities such as Dutch-oven cooking, star gazing, hiking, and various sports activities.
A 2005 study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows young people ages 8 to 18 spend nearly seven hours a day absorbed in electronic/digital devices such as TV, video games, movies, and the internet.
Activities for the teens begin at 2 p.m. For more information go to this page.
Recreation Celebration
On Saturday, May 10, head down to Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon for an all day Recreation Celebration! From nature hikes to equestrian riding, a host of fun-filled activities awaits you. Enjoy a scavenger hunt from the Goodan staging area to the Goodan Ranch Center. At 9 a.m. a bird hike is scheduled. At 10 a.m., bring your horse or mule to the Highway 67 staging area (13920 Highway 67, Lakeside, 92040) for a guided ride. From 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. live banjo music, food, children’s activities (historic games, rock climbing wall, petting zoo and pony rides) and exhibitors will be available at the new Goodan Ranch Center. Bring your mountain bike at 2 p.m. for a guided ride on the Martha's Grove Trail, and enjoy an Owl Prowl at 7 p.m. (shuttles will be provided). Or, just come out and take a hike of your own. Public access will be from both parking areas. Plan to hike a little – the Center is one mile from the Goodan staging area. Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon Preserve is located at 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road in Poway. The Highway 67 staging area is at 13920 Highway 67 in Lakeside. For more information, phone 858-513-4737 or go to this page. For more information on the equestrian trail ride, go to this page. Recreation Celebration will begin at 8 a.m. and last until 9 p.m.
Family Fun Night in Fallbrook
The Fallbrook Community Center will kick off the summer with an evening packed with fun for the entire family! Join us on Saturday, May 17 for Family Fun night and enjoy programs for kids of all ages. There will be volleyball, face painting, golf putting contests and more! Instructors will be on-hand to teach tennis lessons or camping skills. Activities begin at 5 p.m. and will conclude with a family movie under the stars! For more information, please call the Community Center office (760-728-1671). Fallbrook Community Center is located at 341 Heald Lane in Fallbrook.
Sports in Spring Valley
On Saturday, May 3, the Spring Valley Community Center hosted "Sports in Spring Valley," a day that highlighted all of the sports programs offered throughout San Diego County. The event included live entertainment, sports and fitness oriented challenges, and a Junior Olympic Skills Competition, as well as many other fun activities for the whole family. Parks and Recreation staff explored the endless opportunities you have to be active throughout the park system. For more information, please call the Community Center office (619-479-1832). The Spring Valley Community Center is located at 8735 Jamacha Blvd. in Spring Valley.
East County Celebration of Parks
The Greater Lakeside District hosted "East County Celebration of Parks" at Lindo Lake Park on April 19. This "country fair" was a day of fun for the whole family! Arts, activities, and entertainment with a small town charm. Activities included an old-fashioned barbeque, a small carnival, and a country dance. The event highlighted a collection of recreation programs, including kids’ environmental education and pond ecology, history in County parks, teen activities, fishing and more.
Third annual "It's How We Live" community festival at Lindo Lake County Park
The County Department of Parks and Recreation joined the County Health and Human Services Agency to host the third annual "It’s How We Live!" health and wellness festival on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lindo Lake Park in Lakeside.
"We are excited to bring the community together to provide resources for living a healthy lifestyle," said Renée Bahl, Director of County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation. "This event offers fun, hands-on activities to educate people about fitness, nutrition and wellness."
Participants enjoyed healthy cooking demonstrations, sampled wholesome snacks, and got exercise tips from recreation specialists, who also provided information about recreation resources throughout the county.
In addition, the event offered free health screenings including body fat analysis, injury prevention tips, child identification kits, and giveaways such as pedometers and cookbooks.
Other activities at the festival included a rock climbing wall, scavenger hunt, crafts and inflatable jumps.
This year’s festival immediately followed the Lakeside Unified School District’s "Run for the Arts," a popular walk/run in the community. "It’s How We Live!" was held at Lindo Lake Park at 9841 Vine Street in Lakeside. For directions to the park, go to this page.
Plaza Bonita Bikeway Trail ribbon cutting
Chairman Greg Cox, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and the Department of Parks and Recreation celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Plaza Bonita Bikeway Trail on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.
The new bikeway is nearly a mile long and winds along the Sweetwater River, through mixed chaparral and coastal sage. The path leads bikers from the western staging area of Sweetwater Regional park to the Sweetwater River trail system, which connects the cities of Chula Vista, national City, Coronado, and Imperial Beach.
The ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 19 at the western staging area on Bonita Road, east of Plaza Bonita Road, in Bonita. For more information and directions, go to this page.
Otay Valley Regional Park celebrates new trails and staging areas
Completion of the first stage of the Otay Valley Regional Park Project was celebrated on Monday, March 17, 2008. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the construction and rehabilitation of 3.36 miles of multi-use trails, completion of the Rios Drive and Beyer North staging areas, and wetland and upland mitigation sites between Beyer Way and Rancho Drive. The project culminates more than seven years of effort and joint partnerships between the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista, and the County of San Diego. When the project's second stage is completed in the fall of 2009, Otay Valley Regional Park will provide more than eight miles of multi-use trails that will eventually connect the Pacific Ocean to Otay Lakes County Park.
Among the dignitaries at the celebration were San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox, San Diego City Mayor Jerry Sanders, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, and the OVRP Citizens Advisory Committee. The Rios Avenue Staging Area is on Rios Avenue, south of Otay Valley Road and west of Interstate 805. For more information and directions, go to this page.
Park Closures Due to Rain
March 11, 2008: All parks have reopened following the winter rains.
Request for Citizen Advisory Board Member Applicants
The County of San Diego is looking for residents to serve on a citizen advisory board for County Service Area (CSA) 83 for the San Dieguito region. The CSA generally extends from San Dieguito Park in the west to the community of 4S Ranch in the east, and from Elfin Forest in the north to Via de la Valle in the south. The boundary area is identified by the red line in attached GIS map. All advisory board members must live within the boundary area.
The role of the advisory group will be to advise County Parks staff on operational planning for parks within the CSA. The main parks are San Dieguito Park and 4S Ranch Community Park. The anticipated responsibilities of advisory group members will be to attend approximately one meeting per quarter. The meetings are typically held on a regular week night (e.g., the first Thursday of the first month in each quarter) at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.
The advisory group will be 5-7 members. Please submit the attached application and a statement of interest, resume, or bio to include name, address and contact information.
150th anniversary celebration of Butterfield Stage Line
A century and a half ago, the Butterfield Stage Line carried mail and passengers from Missouri to California, over 2800 miles, in 25 days. It was said to be the longest stage ride in the world. On Saturday, March 1, a colorful celebration of the anniversary of the stage line recreated the days of the 19th-century mail and passenger line.
The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Parks, and the Ramona Trails Association joined together at Vallecito County Park to put on the festivities. Participants dressed in period attire, equestrians rode in along the historic route across the desert, and the Vallecito Stage Station was decorated in period fashion and featured historical artifacts and information. There was also a tour of the reconstructed sod stage station, which served as an important stop for southern emigrant caravans as well as the Butterfield line.
The reenactment took place on Saturday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Vallecito County Park, north of Agua Caliente County Park on County Route S-2. For more information, go to this page.
Proposed Landscape Maintenance District (Jess Martin Park)
The results of balloting for the Proposed Landscape Maintenance District Zone No.2 - Julian (Jess Martin Park):
52.7% for
47.3% against
To see a summary of the ballots issued, ballots received and weighted assessment results, go to this page.
For a copy of certification as to the results of balloting, go to this page.
The Board of Supervisors is slated to consider the formation of this proposed Landscape Maintenance District on April 9, 2008.
Groundbreaking ceremony for Hilton Head Park expansion project
County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the Department of Parks and Recreation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Hilton Head Park Project on Thursday, January 3, 2008. Designs for the project include the addition of the first water playground in the County's park system, featuring a ship-themed play structure. The expansion also includes the addition of four exercise stations, two pavilions, additional hiking and walking paths, covered picnic areas, and a new restroom.
Hilton Head Park is located at 16005 Hilton Head Road in El Cajon. For more information and directions, go to this page.
Spring Valley Gymnasium and Teen Center now open
Between hip hop dance routines and a lively basketball slam dunk contest, the new Spring Valley Gym and Teen Center near La Presa Middle School opened its doors to teens and their families on November 29.
Second District Supervisor Dianne Jacob, officials from the County Department of Parks and Recreation, and members of the La Mesa Spring Valley School District joined with teens to cut the ceremonial ribbon on the much anticipated facility. The Spring Valley REC Club and students from Mt. Miguel High School and Monte Vista High School were also on hand to celebrate.
"Spring Valley has been waiting for this day for a long time. This is one of the most dynamic projects we have ever designed, built to enhance the lives of teens and families," said Supervisor Jacob. "This center will serve as a place for East County residents, especially young people, to connect, play, compete, and lead healthy, active lifestyles."
The 15,860-square-foot facility boasts basketball and volleyball courts, a recording studio, counseling and resource center, and multipurpose room. Teens can enjoy a wide range of activities such as video production classes, diversity training, and outdoor adventure field trips. Public programs are also available, ranging from cheerleading to sports leagues and dance classes.
Built on land owned by the La Mesa/Spring Valley School District, the $3.9 million project marks a collaborative effort between the school district, County of San Diego, and County Service Area 128. The school district will share use of the facility with the County.
For more information and directions, go to this page.
Goodan Ranch Center now open
Four years after the Cedar Fire consumed Goodan Ranch and Sycamore Canyon, the Department of Parks and Recreation unveiled the brand new Goodan Ranch Center. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the Department of Parks and Recreation invited the public to join the City of Poway, City of Santee, and the Department of Fish and Game in celebrating the grand opening of the new center. The energy efficient facility houses a ranger office, community room, comfort station, kitchenette, and exhibits.
The grand opening was held on Thursday, November 15 at 2 p.m. Goodan Ranch is located at 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road in Poway. For more information, go to this page.
San Elijo Nature Center groundbreaking ceremony
County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price and the Department of Parks and Recreation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new San Elijo Nature Center on Tuesday, November 20, at 10 a.m. The two-story facility at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve will serve as a base for education, land stewardship, and environmental protection. It will be made from recycled building materials and will feature solar panels, irrigated roof plants, and recycled water.
For more information and directions please go to this page.
Lakeside Baseball Park groundbreaking ceremony
County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the new, state-of-the-art baseball park in Lakeside on Monday, October 15, 2007. "Lakeside's young people need and deserve this park," said County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. " That's why we're turning this dirt into diamonds -- four diamonds, to be exact, each one with state-of-the-art synthetic turf. This park is going to be a true gem."
The future facility will feature four artificial turf fields, a playground, batting cages, a concession stand, and restrooms, all on ten acres of County-owned property. The baseball park will be located at the intersection of Mast Boulevard and the future Marathon Pkwy. For more information, go to this page.
Del Dios Highlands Preserve now open
County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price and the Department of Parks and Recreation invited the public to celebrate the ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony of Del Dios Highlands County Preserve on Thursday, October 18.
Visitors will now be able to hike the new one and one-half mile trail that will be the first to link the communities of Del Dios and Harmony Grove. The 460-acre preserve is part of the Multiple Species Conservation Program and offers scenic views of Lake Hodges, Olivenhain Reservoir, and the Pacific Ocean.
Del Dios Highlands County Preserve is located at 9860 Del Dios Highway in Escondido. The preserve will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to a half-hour before sunset. For more information see this PDF document. For a map, go to this page.
Santa Margarita County Preserve now open
The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Santa Margarita County Preserve was held on October 3, 2007. The public was invited to hike a two and a half mile trail offering scenic views of the Santa Margarita River. In addition, the County Parks and Recreation Department and the Trails Council of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy opened the first official equestrian staging area in Fallbrook. Winding through lush terrain, Santa Margarita County Preserve offers visitors a cooler hiking experience.
Santa Margarita County Preserve is located at 37385 De Luz Road in Fallbrook. For more information, including rules and regulations of the preserve, go to this page. For a printable map of the preserve go to this page.
Weather/fire updates and park closures
At this time no County parks are closed because of weather or fire conditions. Please be aware, though, that conditions can change and parks may be closed on a temporary basis. For up to date information on temporary park closures, please call our reservation and information center at 858-694-3049.
Note: An open-flame ban shall go into effect whenever a Red Flag Warning is posted by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and will remain in effect until the Red Flag Warning is lifted by NOAA or at the discretion of the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. As with all weather-related events, refunds are not given.
Barnett Ranch Preserve opened to public
Barnett Ranch Preserve is now open to the public for the first time. The 700-acre preserve in Ramona offers the public access to approximately four miles of trails through a variety of habitats.
From the late 1800s until recently, Barnett Ranch was a working ranch that raised cattle and grew field crops. The County acquired the land for inclusion into the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Subarea Plan, and now the public is welcome to hike, bike, or ride horses along its trails and enjoy the wildlife and scenery preserved in the park.
"Barnett Ranch is a welcome addition to the County's nationally recognized MSCP plan," said Second District Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who helped create the MSCP program in the 90s. "It highlights the County's ability to provide recreational opportunities for the public, while preserving its valuable natural resources."
The new preserve encompasses habitats ranging from coastal sage scrub to oak savannah to nonnative grasslands. Visitors can enjoy scenic views from the miles of multiple-use, non-motorized trails and can observe wildlife including golden eagles, white-tailed kites, orange-throated whiptails, and the rarely seen ringtail.
The staging area of Barnett Ranch Preserve is located at the intersection of San Vicente Road and Deviney Lane in Ramona. The preserve will be open Fridays through Mondays, from 8 a.m. to sunset. No water or restroom facilities are available at the preserve.
Concept drawings for new nature center at San Elijo Lagoon now available
The County Department of Parks and Recreation is in the process of designing a new Nature Center building to replace our existing facility at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, at 2710 Manchester Avenue. This new building will be two stories in height and include an exhibit room, ranger office, multi-purpose room, assembly and observation areas, public restrooms, and storage. Exhibits will generally educate the public about this wonderful lagoon, including its rich plant and animal communities, its fascinating history, and the various natural and human influences that affect this sensitive ecosystem.
This "Green Building" will also include many energy conserving and environmentally friendly components, including solar panels, recycled content construction materials, highly efficient heating and cooling systems, and water conserving restrooms and irrigation.
Design and environmental work are not expected to be completed until the fall of 2007, with construction anticipated to be completed by the end of 2008.
Concept drawings of the proposed new San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center are now available for viewing. Please click on the links below to view these images. Note that the PDF files are large, and it is recommended you have a high-speed internet connection to view them.
Bird's Eye View (2.8 MB)
East View (2 MB)
Final Concept Plan (4.6 MB)
If you have questions about this project, please contact Patrick McDonough, Senior Project Manager, at 858-966-1341 (office), 858-495-5841 (FAX), or e-mail at Patrick.McDonough@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Information updated 4/14/08
