The office for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is nestled between several of the original Mission Santa Cruz buildings built by the Spanish missionaries in the late 1800s. The historic mission is part of one of Santa Cruz County's state parks.
The group is driven by the mission of "promoting appreciation and stewardship of natural and cultural heritage" in Santa Cruz County. It primarily works to fund educational and interpretive programs at the county's parks.
Neary Lagoon is an interpretive park set in the midst of the urban watershed for the west side. Popular with families, the short walk through the lagoon on floating wooden decks is both easy and informative. All kinds of flora and fauna can be found here, and there are plenty of descriptive signs along the way to tell you what you are seeing -- waterfowl like mallard and wood ducks, pied billed grebes, a multitude of coots, the world's meanest geese and the occasional great blue heron or hawk. There is also a small playground, tennis courts and some picnic areas.
Mission Plaza Park is a public park across the street from Holy Cross Church. The park contains grassy areas and sand paths. It also features a water fountain, a trail and eight benches. Mission Plaza Park often is the site of special events in the neighborhood, such as the Japanese Cultural Fair, and it also is a Historic Mission Site.
Garfield Park Village is a senior retirement complex centrally located on Santa Cruz's west side. The complex includes one and two-bedroom homes for seniors 62 years and older. It features lovely grounds, with benches and shaded sitting areas. The office offers a library for residents. Garfield Park Village has also won several Christian Church Houses Awards of Excellence. A bus stop is right outside the entry to the village, providing easy access to grocery shopping and the beaches.
