Spring Lake Regional Park

Summary

Spring Lake Regional Park is a 320-acre (130 ha) public park in southeastern Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California, United States. Centered on the Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir, the park is administered by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department. Its coordinates are 38°27′N 122°39′W / 38.45°N 122.65°W / 38.45; -122.65[1], and its official address is 391 Violetti Drive.

The reservoir, viewed from the north.
The reservoir, viewed from the north.

General information edit

Hours edit

The park opens daily at 7am and closes at sunset.

Parking edit

$7 per vehicle for day use. Vehicles with 9 or more are $1.00 per person.

Dogs edit

Dogs are permitted on leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m) in length. Rabies certificate required. Dogs are not allowed around the swimming lagoon area including the swimming lagoon itself as well as the beach. Dogs are allowed on the grass, on the paths and in Spring Lake.

Camping edit

Spring Lake offers individual and group camping. The campground is open seven days a week from May 1 through September 30. During the rest of the year, it is only open on weekends and holidays.

Swimming edit

In addition to the 154-acre (0.62 km2)[2] reservoir (where people can boat and fish) there is 3-acre (12,000 m2) swimming lagoon with sandy beach and concession stand. The swimming lagoon is staffed by lifeguards and is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Boating edit

The lake is open year-round to windsurf, canoe or paddle boat. No gas-powered boats are allowed on the lake, but electric motors are allowed. Lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFD) are required by all boaters regardless of age or swimming ability. This is due to a county ordinance.

Picnics edit

There are 200 picnic tables with barbecues located throughout the park, plus four group picnic areas which may be reserved.

Trails edit

Trail Access
Legend
 
 
Trione-Annadel State Park
 
 
 
Newanga Avenue
 
 
 
Public Restroom
 
 
 
Spring Lake
 
 
 
Montgomery Drive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lake Ralphine
 
 
 
Howarth Park
 
 
 
Summerfield Road
 
The trails circling the reservoir attract hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

Spring Lake is used by hikers, joggers and strollers. Trails connect to neighboring Howarth Park and Annadel State Park, creating an outstanding 8-mile (13 km) recreational facility. Bird-watchers use these trails to observe geese, egrets, herons, hawks, woodpeckers, jays, warblers, and sparrows on the reservoir and in the surrounding woodlands.[3]

Equestrian trails follow the perimeter of the reservoir and connect with trails in Annadel State Park. Mounts are not provided.

For the bicycle enthusiasts, there are 2.3 miles (3.7 km) of paved bicycle trails and many more miles of dirt trails. The maximum speed limit is 15 mph (24 km/h).

Environmental Discovery Center edit

The Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake Regional Park features interactive exhibits about Sonoma County's plants, animals and natural resources, and a tide pool with live, touchable sea creatures. Programs are offered for children, families and schools and focus on environmental conservation and stewardship.

The Discovery Center is a partnership established by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation and the Sonoma County Water Agency. Other sponsors include area government agencies and environmental groups.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Spring Lake Park
  2. ^ "Dams Within the Jurisdiction of the State of California Listed Alphabetically By Name of Dam (N-S)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-10-05. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  3. ^ "Sonoma County Birdwatching Parks". SonomaCounty.com. Retrieved 13 November 2020.

External links edit

  • Official website  
  • photo gallery
  • Environmental Discovery Center