Fort Ord Dunes State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Ord Dunes State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Coastal dunes at Ford Ord Dunes State Park
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 Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Location in California
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Monterey County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Monterey, California |
| Area | 980 acres (400 ha) |
| Established | 2009 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a cool state park located in California, USA. It stretches along about 4 miles (6.4 km) of beautiful coastline next to Monterey Bay. This park was created from a part of a former military base called Fort Ord.
The park has a boardwalk, a path that leads to the beach, and a 4-mile (6.4 km) road perfect for walking and biking. You can also find signs that tell you about the area's past as a military training spot. Because the sand dunes are home to special animals and plants, visitors must stay on the paths and trails to protect them.
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Discover Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a fantastic place to explore the coast. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a chance to learn about nature and history. The park is a great example of how old military land can be turned into something amazing for everyone to enjoy.
A Look Back: Its Military Past
Before it became a park, this area was part of Fort Ord, a large base for the United States Army. Soldiers used to practice their rifle skills here, with about 15 different shooting ranges.
After the military base closed, a lot of work was done to clean up and restore the land. In 2009, it officially opened as a state park. The land was given to California by the U.S. government, with the rule that it must always be used as a public park. Other parts of the old Fort Ord have become the Fort Ord National Monument or are now used for schools and businesses.
Protecting Our Parks
In 2008, there was a plan to close Fort Ord Dunes State Park and many other California state parks. This was part of a plan by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to save money. Luckily, the parks were not closed. Instead, they found ways to save money by changing park hours and maintenance. This helped keep these important places open for everyone.
Future Plans: Camping Adventures
Good news for campers! A new campground is being planned for the park, hoping to open around 2022. It will have different areas for different types of campers:
- One area will have 45 spots for RVs (Recreational Vehicles) with electricity and water hookups.
- Another area will have 40 spots for families who want to camp in tents or small RVs.
- There will also be a special area for people who walk or bike into the park.
