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FOPAR

adoptapark

SteveTree

Adopt

Volunteer

Donations to FOPAR help support programs like Jr. Lifeguards, the Santa Cruz Teen Center, The Senior Computer Center, our summer scholarship program and more!

The purpose of the adopt-a-park program is to enable the public to have a greater sense of ownership of public space and provide an opportunity for service in available adoptable parks, facilities and open spaces.

CitySERVE is a partnership between the Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County and the City of Santa Cruz. CitySERVE serves as a matchmaker, placing interested community members with City programs.

FOPAR Programs

Park Adopters

The Parks & Recreation Department is committed to creating opportunities for our community to support our Parks through our adopt-a-park program. We recognize we have passionate, resourceful residents who care about their Parks and want to be involved in bettering the community.

Groups or Organizations:

Whether you’re part of a business or nonprofit organization, we could use your help! You can apply for a one-time project, such as a beach clean-up, or for on-going assistance, such as graffiti removal along the San Lorenzo River Corridor. Volunteers will be assigned a staff liaison to assist in orienting, training, and providing special equipment or resources to ensure your success.

Individuals:

Simply complete an individual park adoption form, arrange for an orientation, and fill out the volunteer assessment.

Volunteer Guidelines & Forms

Volunteer with Parks and Recreation! We have numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the department.

More information or to sign up

Available Volunteer Opportunities:

CitySERVE is a partnership between the Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County and the City of Santa Cruz. CitySERVE serves as a matchmaker, placing interested community members with City programs. CitySERVE staff also works to promote the use of volunteers throughout the City, actively supporting the development of new volunteer programs within local government.

Why Volunteer?
Everyone has different motivations for volunteering. Volunteering can give you a new skill, help you meet new people, or prepare you for a future career. Volunteering will always give you the satisfaction of doing important work for your community.

Simply put, volunteering enriches your life and the lives of those around you, and makes a difference in your community.

Clam Chowder Cook-Off!

Cook Off Saturday Feb 22 AND Sunday Feb 23

Date: 02/22/2025 - 02/23/2025 (all day)
Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Introduction: Teams compete in the friendly competition, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights for the BEST Clam Chowder in the COUNTRY'S largest and longest running clam chowder competition!

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The 44th annual Clam Chowder Cook Off takes place Saturday, Feb 23 and Sunday, Feb 24 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is the largest and longest-running Clam Chowder Cook Off in the country. Join the fun and excitement as talented chefs from throughout the West Coast compete for the title of BEST CLAM CHOWDER. The atmosphere will be festive and fun as contestants prepare their finest ingredients outdoors along the Boardwalk to the delight of thousands of spectators.

2-Day Event- Rain or Shine!

Amateur chefs will compete on Saturday, followed by professional chefs on Sunday! Join the delicious festivities as amateur and professional chefs prepare their finest clam chowder recipes along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!

Teams compete in the friendly competition, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights for the BEST Clam Chowder in the COUNTRY'S largest and longest running clam chowder competition!

Chowder Kits and Merch Available for Pre-Sale Starting Tuesday, November 12th!

Purchase your kits and merch online! Presale set to end on Thursday, February 20 at 11:59 pm. Visit to www.cityofsantacruz.com/chowdermerch to purchase online. Limited merchandise and tasting kits will be available for purchase on-site, while supplies last.

Pick up your tasting kits and merch at one of our Parks and Recreation booths on the day of the event!

**Must bring receipt and ID to pick up merchandise. No refunds. Not available for transfer or resale.**

Merchandise Booths open at 9:30 am
- Shirts, hoodies, collectors pins, stickers and totes (while supplies last)
Public tasting begins at 1:00 pm
Please note: we are providing "Flat Pack" tasting kits this year
- Inside the bag you will have a spoon, napkin, tasting tickets, two ballots (Manhattan and Boston)
- Your cup will be given to you separately during pick up at P&R Booths

For more information on merchandise and tasting kits, contact Parks and Recreation at (831) 420-5273.

Team registration opens on Tuesday, November 12th

Team Registration information available at beachboardwalk.com/Clam-Chowder-Cook-Off

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