Parks and Recreation - Group Picnic & Barbeque Facilities

The City of Santa Cruz proudly offers a wide variety of group picnic and barbecue facilities to meet your every need - from intimate family gatherings to large company picnics. Reserving is easy. Just select your favorite site, complete the application process and the space is yours for your special event! Select from the following facilities.

Situated two blocks from the Main Beach, the Depot Park site was used as a railroad depot and switching yard for three railroad companies from the 1890’s to the 1970’s. This historic site has been renovated as the City’s newest park with the combination of recreational activities including a children’s playground, group picnic area, large plaza area, and synthetic turf soccer/athletic field.

Picnic Area (96 capacity, 8 accessible))
A sunny picnic area with large bbq pit and electricity, adjacent to the children’s playground. Close to restrooms and parking, this area is easy-to-find and convenient to the beach area. Sound amplification is allowed with sound permit ($33 fee).

Please note: A $150 deposit is required for any picnic area reservation that includes an alcohol permit or sound permit.

Evergreen (275 capacity)
Our premier picnic area for your large party or picnic. Evergreen is partially shaded and features extra large BBQ grills and serving area, sink and drink stand, ample electricity, and a 30'x30' concrete dance floor. Sound amplification is allowed with sound permit ($33 fee). Close to restrooms and parking, this area is easy-to-find and convenient.

Oak (108 capacity)
A perfect area for your barbecue or party. Featuring a large grill, sink, serving area and electricity, this partially shaded area is close to restrooms and parking.

Buckeye (50 capacity)
A mostly sunny scenic spot in the redwoods with pedestal grill and electricity. Restrooms within 150 yards. Parking within 100 feet. This area offers you and your guests serenity, privacy plus convenience.

Millennium Circle (50 capacity)
A lovely setting next to the playground with freestanding double BBQ, electricity and picnic tables. Redone in 2000, this sunny popular spot, was formerly known as Horseshoe. Restrooms nearby.

Clubhouse & Scouthouse (152 capacity) - Policies
The Clubhouse and Scouthouse have long provided a beautiful setting for picnics, barbecues and special occasions. Outdoors, the Clubhouse and Scouthouse feature a large shaded deck area, sunny picnic area, four barbecue pits, a large serving counter, electricity, sink and a fenced seating area. Featured inside is a commercial kitchen, two wet bars, an indoor fireplace and private restrooms. Easy load-in and nearby parking--a pretty site for your special event, rain or shine!
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Friendship Area (66 capacity, 24 handicapped)
Located at the top of Friendship Gardens--this sunny area enjoys a lovely view; extra large BBQ grills; a prep area with sink; electricity and handicapped accessible picnic tables and drinking fountains. Parking close by. Sound amplification is allowed with sound permit ($33.00 fee).

Upper Glen (90 capacity)
A pretty picnic area partly shaded by redwoods and bay trees. Pedestal grills and a relaxed atmosphere make Upper Glen a good choice for your party. Parking nearby.

Herb Garden, Overlook and Bay (each 20 capacity, 4 accessible)
Overlooking Harvey West Park and adjacent to a large grassy area, these charming picnic areas feature pedestal grills and handicapped accessible picnic tables and drinking fountains. These family-sized areas with lovely views, are perfect sites for intimate gatherings.
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Please note: A $150 deposit is required for any picnic area reservation that includes an alcohol permit.

Lone Tree (180 capacity)
This sunny spot features a double grill and serving tables with electrical power. Near hiking and horseshoe pits, Lone Tree is perfect for active groups. Parking and restrooms nearby.

Cathedral Grove (225 capacity)
A double grill, electrical power, serving tables and a large drink stand with counter make Cathedral Grove "user friendly" for your large picnic or barbecue. Close to parking and restrooms with horseshoe pits also nearby.

Twisted Tree (225 capacity)
Twisted Tree features a double grill and serving tables with electrical power. Parking and restrooms nearby.

Maple Grove (250 capacity)
Our largest picnic site at DeLaveaga, Maple Grove features double grills, large serving area with electrical power and easy access. Restrooms and parking nearby.

Forty Thieves (100 capacity)
Newly renovated in the George Washington Picnic Area, Forty Thieves picnic area features picnic tables and grills, potable water, brand-new accessible bathrooms and paved, accessible parking.

Picnic and barbeque facilities are open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset for all areas except Harvey West Clubhouse and Scouthouse (8:00 a.m. - midnight).

Fees:

PDF of facility use fees effective March 10, 2008. Prices listed are for city residents. Special events requiring Conditions of Use pertaining to insurance, parking etc add $50 to fee total. Non-city residents add $20 to fee total. $33 Sound permit and $50 Alcohol permit fees will be collected when applicable. A $150 deposit is required for any Harvey West, Friendship Garden or DeLaveaga Park picnic area reservation that includes an alcohol OR sound permit. Cancellation of reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance to receive a 50% refund of fees. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior are non-refundable.
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Event to begin and end on time.
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public facilities and park trails.
Decorations subject to rules and regulations of each facility.
Set up and clean up are the responsibility of the permittee.
Please recycle.
Alcohol may only be consumed in reservable picnic areas by permit.
Gathering wood is forbidden.
See application packet for specific information on the rules and regulations at the facility you are reserving.
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Policies:

Reservations (and requests for bounce house and sound permits) must be made a minimum of 5 working days in advance.
Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservation is recommended.
Cancellation of reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance to receive a 50% refund of fees. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior are non-refundable.
Alcohol is permitted only at reservable picnic areas and Harvey West Clubhouse and Scouthouse. There is a $50 fee for all alcohol permits and a $150 deposit. ABC permits are also required for sale of alcohol.
Sales of any kind must be approved by City Council. (Non-profit groups may submit a written request for permission for sales from the Director of Parks and Recreation). The City requires a percentage of gross sales.
A 5% admission tax is required for all events charging admission and/or booth fees.
Policies regarding insurance, deposits and cancellations vary by facility. Please check the application packet for the facility you are reserving.
Sound permits are available for Harvey West Clubhouse and Scouthouse; and Evergreen and Friendship picnic areas. Sound will be discontinued if it interferes with other park users. There is a $33 fee for all sound permits and a $150 deposit.
Bounce Houses are allowed only at DeLaveaga and Harvey West Parks. Permits are required and limited in number. A stand-alone non-refundable permit fee is $40; with a picnic site reservation the fee is discounted to $25. Certificate of insurance is required.