Spring Lake Regional Park facts for kids
Spring Lake Regional Park is a large, exciting park located in Santa Rosa, California. It covers about 320 acres and features the beautiful Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir. This park is managed by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department. It's a fantastic spot for families and young people to enjoy nature and outdoor adventures!
Discover Spring Lake Regional Park
Park Basics
When to Visit
The park welcomes visitors every day! It opens bright and early at 7 AM and closes when the sun sets.
Parking Your Car
If you drive to the park, there's a small fee of $7 per car for the day. If you come with a big group in a vehicle with 9 or more people, it's just $1 per person.
Bringing Your Dog
Your furry friends are welcome at Spring Lake Park! Dogs must be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Make sure you have their rabies certificate ready. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the swimming lagoon area, including the sandy beach. However, they can enjoy the grass, paths, and even swim in Spring Lake itself!
Fun Things to Do
Camping Adventures
Want to spend a night under the stars? Spring Lake offers both individual and group camping spots. The campground is open every day from May 1st through September 30th. During the rest of the year, you can camp on weekends and holidays.
Swimming and Beach Fun
Besides the big 154-acre reservoir where you can boat and fish, there's a special 3-acre swimming lagoon! It has a sandy beach and a snack stand. Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming lagoon from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, keeping everyone safe.
Boating on the Lake
The lake is open all year for fun activities like windsurfing, canoeing, or paddle boating. You can't use gas-powered boats here, but electric motors are allowed. Everyone on a boat, no matter their age or how well they swim, must wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). This is a county rule to keep everyone safe!
Picnic Time!
Spring Lake Park is perfect for a picnic! There are 200 picnic tables with barbecues spread throughout the park. If you have a larger group, you can even reserve one of the four special group picnic areas.
Exploring the Trails
The trails at Spring Lake are popular for hikers, joggers, and people just out for a stroll. These trails connect to nearby Howarth Park and Annadel State Park. This creates an awesome 8-mile network for outdoor fun!
Hiking and Jogging
The trails are great for a walk or a run, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature.
Horseback Riding
If you love horses, there are special trails that follow the edge of the reservoir. These trails also connect to Annadel State Park. Remember, you need to bring your own horse!
Biking Paths
For bicycle fans, there are 2.3 miles of paved bike trails. Plus, there are many more miles of dirt trails to explore! The speed limit for bikes is 15 miles per hour.
Spotting Wildlife
The trails are also a fantastic place for bird-watchers! You can spot many different birds like geese, egrets, herons, hawks, woodpeckers, jays, warblers, and sparrows. They can be seen around the reservoir and in the nearby woodlands.
Learn at the Discovery Center
The Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake Regional Park is a cool place to learn! It has hands-on exhibits about the plants, animals, and natural resources found in Sonoma County. There's even a tide pool where you can touch live sea creatures! The center offers programs for kids, families, and schools. These programs teach about protecting our environment and taking care of nature.
The Discovery Center is a team effort between the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, Regional Parks, and the Sonoma County Water Agency. Other local groups also help support it.
Images for kids
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The reservoir, viewed from the north.
