Santa Cruz City Parks Flood Mitigation and Habitat Enhancement (City of Santa Cruz)

The City of Santa Cruz is restoring and improving two key park areas along the San Lorenzo River — Jessie Street Marsh and San Lorenzo Park’s Riverlands. These projects will expand wetlands, reduce local flood risks, and create new places for people to connect with nature. 

At Jessie Street Marsh, the City will remove contaminated soil, expand wetland areas, and build an ADA-accessible interpretive trail that connects the Lower Ocean neighborhood to the regional trail system. The area will feature native plantings, educational signs, and improved water quality. At San Lorenzo Park, the City will enhance the natural floodplain by adding multi-use lawns, walking trails, and habitat areas that support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Together, these efforts will make the parks safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for residents and visitors.