Join us for a FREE public event to kick off a new park project in Valley Center. Tour the property, plant trees, engage in activities, view raptors up close, gather resources, meet area stakeholders, and more - all at a beautiful property that is poised to become a locals' recreation destination. In the coming months, stay tuned for invitations to public meetings, surveys and other events where you can learn more about the park project, suggest amenities and share feedback on proposed designs!
On Nov. 8, 2023, the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors approved the acquisition of Butterfield Trails Ranch and dedicated it as future park land for the Valley Center community. The purchase was made Dec. 29, and the land is now managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Earlier this year, funds were earmarked for site analysis and community outreach to determine park use - in conjunction with upgrades to Star Valley Park and the development of a future Intergenerational Center. This community event is the first of many conversations to come.
Have you ever climbed the trail at El Capitan County Preserve? This intense climb has earned the reputation of being one the toughest in the region and it’s a favorite for extreme hikers and active-duty and retired service members. Twice a year on Memorial and Veteran’s Day weekends we celebrate their mental and physical stamina through a special event we call the Warrior Hike Challenge. To encourage more people to try it, we break the hike into three heats with celebration stations at the 1- and 3-mile turnaround points. Join us beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. There is no need to RSVP but be sure to sign in when you arrive to take advantage of all the perks!
Green Friday is a special holiday that we launched in 2015 to encourage people to spend quality time outside the day after Thanksgiving. If you have the day off work, and with friends and family in tow, we encourage you to plan a trip to a local park! Soon, we’ll be publishing a list of ‘Green Friday’ activities taking place at locations across the region, from educational programs and ‘Story Trails’ to guided hike and bike rides. Volunteer events will also fill the weekend, providing fun ways to give back while getting your hands dirty.
Why spend the day indoors or on a mobile device – shopping – when that time could be spent on a trail, at a lake, in an amphitheater or under a gazebo? To learn more about Green Friday and view opportunities when they are posted, visit sdparks.org/greenfriday. To sign up to be a volunteer and help beautify our public spaces or plant trees for the future, visit sdparks.org/volunteer.
DID YOU KNOW? We manage four community centers and one multi-purpose sports park where we run specialized classes, camps and programs. Because these require registration and fees, they are promoted differently than other park activities. Here are links to our October-through-December editions:
Below are free activities hosted in parks and preserves across San Diego! They are posted every month in our Online Event Calendar, but for your convenience, we've shared them here, too.
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NOV. 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30; 11 A.M. – 12 P.M.
NOV. 3, 10, 17 AND 24; 1 – 2 P.M. RANCH HOUSE TOURS Los Penasquitos Ranch House Learn more by calling the park at 858-484-7504
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NOV. 2, 5 – 5:30 P.M.
SNAKES WITH THE RANGERS Dos Picos Regional Campground Learn more by calling the park at 760-789-2220
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NOV. 7,14, 21 AND 28; 3:30 – 4:30 P.M.
KIDZONE AT THE PARK Potrero County Park Learn more by calling the park at 619-478-5212
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NOV. 9 AND 23; 28; 8 – 9 A.M.
YOGA AT PQ Los Penasquitos Ranch House Learn more by calling the park at 858-484-7504
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Nov. 10, 9:30 – 11 A.M.
NATIVE PLANT RANGER LED HIKE San Dieguito County Park Learn more by calling the park at 858-755-2386
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NOV. 10, 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. MEDITATION & QI GONG San Dieguito County Park Learn more by calling the park at 858-755-2386
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NOV. 16, 10 – 11 A.M.
READING WITH ROSY San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve Learn more by calling the park at 760-634-3026
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NOV. 16, 5 – 5:30 P.M.
DISCOVERY TABLE Dos Picos Regional Campground Learn more by calling the park at 760-789-2220
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NOV. 17, 12 – 1 P.M. PICNIC WITH PQ GOATS Los Penasquitos Ranch House Learn more by calling the park at 858-484-7504
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NOV. 29, 10 – 11:30 A.M.
ACORNS 101 Ramona Grasslands County Preserve Learn more by calling the park at 760-788-3326
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