A new park in Boulder Creek will add a large public swimming pool for Santa Cruz Mountain communities in late 2017.
The park could open next fall after renovations and repairs, said Hallie Greene, manager of the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District, which will own and manage the new park.
The Boulder Creek recreation district, which collects fees to provide parks and recreation for residents in Boulder Creek and Brookdale, was assisted by Santa Cruz County in purchasing the former Bear Creek Country Club, on Forest Hills Drive, about two miles northeast of downtown Boulder Creek.
The private club had been operated until 2015 by George Patterson and Mary Beth Patterson as a private country club, with four tennis courts, a large swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness room, hiking trails and picnic areas.
George Patterson died in 2015. When Mary Beth Patterson offered the property for sale, the recreation district early this year began exploring the possibility of buying it, Greene said. But she said the district realized it could not afford it.
At that point, Fifth District County Supervisor Bruce McPherson and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County offered to help, providing $450,000 to help fund the district’s purchase. The $1.2 million deal received final approval by the county Board of Supervisors on Nov. 15.
“This agreement allows us to provide tremendous recreational facilities for the people of San Lorenzo Valley and the entire county,” said McPherson. “We expect that this facility will become an even bigger part of the community, and be appreciated by future generations of local residents.”
“We really wanted to give our community access to this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said George Galt, chair of the recreation district board of directors. “Our partnership with the county and the Land Trust is a truly creative solution which will allow us to make the most of this unique facility for years to come.”
Bounded by Bear Creek, the property includes beautiful old- and second-growth redwood trees. It has a junior-sized Olympic pool, four tennis courts, a volleyball and basketball court, weight room and locker rooms and several structures that support indoor activities and public gatherings.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for not only San Lorenzo Valley residents, but the rest of the County as well. It is not often that you get to be part of such a great legacy project,” said county Parks Director Jeff Gaffney. “The county has been fortunate to be involved in this amazing collaboration, including working with the Boulder Creek board and staff.”
Green estimated the park needs upwards of $200,000 in repairs, mostly in improved disability access and a new roof. She hoped that work could be completed to allow opening of the park in late summer 2017.
The deal allows a cooperative property-use agreement between the county and the Boulder Creek district, and includes a $450,000 County contribution. The proposal was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 15, and authorized by the recreation district board on Nov.7.
As a result of the county’s participation, all county residents will have access to facilities and programs, some of which will be offered on a fee basis.
payment to Santa Cruz County of more than $5 million, a portion of which was dedicated to parks.
The Boulder Creek district owns and operates the Boulder Creek Recreation Hall and three parks.
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