Pajaro Valley’s First Natural Play Area Natural play areas use elements from nature—logs, rocks, and plants—to create spaces where children can climb, explore, and spark their imagination. The Mesa Village playground expansion features a wooden mountain of floating peaks and valleys, a playful leaf climber, a jumble of hand‑sanded logs, and a discovery table for social and imaginative play. Herb and pollinator gardens add a hands-on sensory experience and a chance to connect with nature. A Community Effort: Public-Private Partnership This exciting $325,000 project is a true community collaboration. County Park Friends is teaming up with Supervisor Felipe Hernandez’s office and the County Parks Department to bring this vision to life. With $100,000 already dedicated from voter-approved Measure K funding, the project now seeks $225,000 in private support—giving local families, philanthropic organizations, and businesses a chance to directly invest in the future of our children’s play and learning.
Over the last year, Santa Cruz County Parks and County Park Friends surveyed the community and learned that a Natural Play Area was the top priority for families. Together with Supervisor Felipe Hernandez and community partners, we are launching a campaign to fund and build this wonderful feature! Contact [email protected] to learn more and get involved.
