The swimming beach on the Russian River at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is open for the summer! The seasonal dam is up for the first time in several years, with swim areas clearly marked and lifeguards on duty daily through Labor Day.

If you're headed to other Russian River beaches, please remember that parking lots fill quickly on weekends and street parking is limited. The Regional Parks River Shuttle is a great alternative to taking a car; it runs on weekends between the El Molino High School campus and Steelhead and Sunset beaches every 30 minutes, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. An all-day ticket is $5; kids under 18 ride for free.

Spring Lake Regional Park celebrates 50 years this year and we're commemorating with trail improvements, updated picnic and campground amenities, a new café at the swimming lagoon and more!

Spring Lake's swimming lagoon is open for swimming daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (with lifeguards on duty). As always, swimming is free; no reservations needed. Loaner life jackets are also available for free.

Check out the new café while you're there. Sonoma Burger Snack Shack serves burgers, hot dogs, vegan options, slushees, beer and wine. Hours are noon to 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays.

You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards, challenge yourself on the Water Park obstacle course, or see the new exhibits at the Environmental Discovery Center.

Your input is needed to shape the future of Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. We're creating a master plan to guide the long-term development of this parkland (which is not yet open to the public) and we want to hear from you. Would you prefer all multi-use trails or some trails for hikers only? Picnic sites? Backcountry camping? Share your feedback by taking a brief survey at SoCoParks.Org/Carrington-Ranch.

Trails can be more fun with a furry companion, and we make it easy to practice Leave No Trace when visiting the parks. From packing out pet waste to staying on designated trails, there are simple steps we can all take to minimize our collective impacts and preserve Sonoma County's natural beauty.

Are you a local land manager, business owner or other community partner? Access the free Sonoma County Leave No Trace Coalition Toolkit and help empower visitors, travelers and residents to protect Sonoma County’s natural resources.

Celebrate 50 years of Spring Lake by entering the Sonoma County Parks Foundation's Spring Lake Photo Contest by July 15. The entry fee is $10 per photo, with the proceeds funding ongoing Spring Lake improvements like an accessible kayak launch. Winners will be determined by popular vote, so rally your friends and family to vote for your entry. Cash prizes will go to the top adult and youth finalists. The top 10 adults entries and top 10 youth entries will be announced July 15, and anyone can vote ($1 per vote) to select the winners through July 31.

We're creating a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan to promote a healthy environment and a vibrant, resilient park system, and we need your input. This plan will address hazards posed by extreme heat, drought, flooding, landslides, wildfires and more.

Multiple county departments are involved in efforts to decrease carbon emissions and reduce the impacts of climate-related hazards, and our climate plan will align with and build upon these initiatives. Please help us by taking this 5-minute survey and sharing it with your community.

There will be additional ways to provide input over the coming months. Visit SoCoParksClimate.com to sign up for updates, share your insights, and learn more.

LGBTQIA2S+ community: Join us for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing together at Sunset Beach River Park on Saturday, July 15. This intergenerational program offers opportunities to connect with one another in safe a space. More info.

Enjoy a guided morning walk at Gualala Point Regional Park on Saturday, July 22. Learn about various natural and cultural history topics while meandering along bluff trails and the beach.

More info.

On Saturday, July 22, explore one of Sonoma County's newest parklands before it opens to the public. Calabazas Creek Regional Park and Preserve has a fascinating history and boasts beautiful vistas, creekside treasures and a challenging hike. More info.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting

The five-person advisory committee meets next on July 24, 5-7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. Agenda and meeting materials are posted 72 hours in advance. More info.

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