Harvey West Park

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Guidelines

DOG REGULATIONS: Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the athletic fields, bleachers, play areas, picnic areas and public buildings. Owners must clean up after their dogs.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: Fires, camping, littering, wood gathering, collection of plants or animals, archery/hunting. Amplified music by permit only. Excessive noise prohibited. Alcohol is permitted only in reservable picnic areas, the Clubhouse and Scouthouse.

Amenities

AVAILABLE AMENITIES:

Harvey West Pool open to the public on a seasonal basis.
Harvey West Clubhouse/Scouthouse - To Reserve
Picnic Areas - To Reserve Group Picnic Areas
Ballfields - To Reserve
Bicycle Pump Track
Bocce Ball Courts
Wagner Cottage and Kids Cottage
Playground equipment
Restroom & drinking fountain

Harvey West Park is a 50-acre municipal park. Located just off the intersection of Highways 1, 9, and 17 and is truly Santa Cruz' most complete park complex. The park includes hiking trails, swimming pools, ball fields, play equipment, clubhouses, barbecue pits, picnic areas and more. It's the perfect place for team sports, a Sunday picnic, or just a walk on the trails.

Harvey West Park offers many features and services to the public. With six ball fields, the familiar crack of the bat and the finality of "You're OUT!" can be heard almost every evening. Plenty of barbecue pits and picnic areas make for lively family gatherings or relaxing, well-equipped picnics on any day. Kid's Kottage and Wagner Cottage house our summer day camps. The Clubhouse/Scouthouse is reservable for indoor activities.

Trails

Park History

Harvey West Park was presented to the City of Santa Cruz by philanthropist Harvey West in 1955. Harvey West was born in Soquel in 1894. His Father, Ed West, was once a County supervisor, better known for his ownership of the Loma Prieta Lumber Company. Harvey worked for a time at F.A. Hihn's sawmill on Laurel Street, then in 1913 he went to work for Capitola Garage. He purchased the business in just four short years. On his return from World War I, Harvey transformed the garage business into one for hauling lumber. His success in the lumber business moved him to Calaveras County, then to El Dorado County where he started the Placerville Lumber Company in 1936. Over the years, Harvey West made many contributions, both public and private, throughout the State of California. In 1955 he presented the City of Santa Cruz with the parcel of land we know as Harvey West Park and in 1958 he purchased Wagner Grove from Fred Wagner as an addition to the park.

Friendship Garden

Friendship Garden is one of Harvey West Park's most unique features. Designed by landscape architect Edwin Wood, Friendship Garden was planned for the enjoyment of people with disabilities and the general public alike. Special care was taken with regards to wheelchair accessibility. Friendship Garden was sponsored by the Soroptimists of Santa Cruz with support from other community organizations and private businesses. It's one of Santa Cruz' special spots for a stroll or a quiet moment among the flowers.