Forty First Ave County Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forty First Ave County Park is located in Santa Cruz County, California.


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Summary

The park is a great place to visit for those who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking among other activities. The park is situated near the ocean, providing visitors with beautiful views and a refreshing sea breeze.

One of the main attractions at Forty First Ave County Park is the lagoon, which is home to a variety of wildlife such as ducks, geese, and egrets. The park also has a playground area for kids, making it a great destination for families.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former landfill, which was transformed into a county park in the 1980s. Additionally, the park is home to the endangered Smith's blue butterfly, which can be seen in the spring and summer months.

The best time to visit Forty First Ave County Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is teeming with wildlife. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak season, so it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.

In summary, Forty First Ave County Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination in Santa Cruz County, California. With its stunning ocean views, abundance of wildlife, and range of activities, it's a great place to visit for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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