Spring Lake Regional Park facts for kids
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, and its official address is 391 Violetti Drive.
Contents
General information
Hours
The park opens daily at 7am and closes at sunset.
Parking
$7 per vehicle for day use. Vehicles with 9 or more are $1.00 per person.
Dogs
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
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
In addition to the 154-acre (0.62 km2) 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
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
There are 200 picnic tables with barbecues located throughout the park, plus four group picnic areas which may be reserved.
Trails
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.
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
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 with Regional Parks and the Sonoma County Water Agency. Other sponsors include area government agencies and environmental groups.
