Ramsay Park Renaissance Project

Ramsay Park Cropped 1

Park Master Plan

In 2019, the City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department worked with Verde Design to lead a community input process to develop the Department's Strategic Plan and park master plans for the City Plaza and Ramsay Park. A comprehensive community input process was used to create the 2020 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan that identifies priorities for the Parks and Community Services Department for the next 5-10 years. The Ramsay Park Master Plan (also pictured above) was developed through this process.

Current Design Process

The Ramsay Park Renaissance is well under way! Thanks to a $7 million allocation from the State of California, via Assembly Member Robert Rivas, $7 million from the City's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, $7 million from the City's General Fund and additional grant funding, design and construction of most the elements in the Master Plan are now fully funded. In total, $23 million will be invested in our community's largest park and greatest recreational resource.

The City of Watsonville is currently working with Verde Design, Inc. on the design of the:

  • Soccer Field
  • Multi Use Field
  • All Inclusive Playground
  • Exploration Center (Nature Center)
  • Dog Park
  • Picnic Areas
  • Supporting Amenities, such as trails, parking lots and more. 

Please continue to check this site to learn about opportunities to provide your input on the design of these elements. 

We anticipate that construction for this project will begin in mid 2023.

Environmental Review/CEQA

The City of Watsonville (the City) has prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed Ramsay Park Renaissance Project, described below, and intends to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The Initial Study concludes that the proposed project would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment if the mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study are adopted and made conditions of approval of the proposed project.

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration are available for public review at the following locations:

  • Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St., Suite 100, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • City of Watsonville Old City Hall, 250 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • On the City’s Parks and Community Services Department’s website - see below

The Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration are available for a 30‐day review period beginning Friday, September 30, 2022 and ending Monday, October 31, 2022. Comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration must be submitted in writing within the 30‐day review period and sent by mail, fax or email to:

City of Watsonville

Parks and Community Services Department

Attn: Robert Berry, Senior Utilities Engineer

231 Union Street

Watsonville, CA 95076

E-mail: robert.berry@cityofwatsonville.org

PUBLIC MEETINGS: There will be no public meetings on this project.

LOCATION OF PROJECT: Ramsay Park, 1301 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076

Notice of Intent

Initial Study - Mitigated Negative Declaration

Watsonville Slough Connector Trail Project

The Watsonville Slough Connector Trail Project at Ramsay Park will establish and enhance urban trails within the park, resulting in improved non-motorized pathways through the park and to surrounding destinations in the community. The project will construct a connector trail between Main St. and Harkins Slough Road, construct new accessible pathways within the park that connect to the slough trail, and mitigate urban heat island effects by planting trees. Other features of the project include habitat restoration and trail enhancement in Watsonville Slough next to the park, improved storm water retention areas within the park, interpretive signage, crosswalk / pedestrian improvements on Harkins Slough Road and the establishment of buffered bike lanes on Harkins Slough between Green Valley Rd and Ford St. This project is funded through a grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, Community Development Block Grant and the City of Watsonville. 

Ramsay Park Pump Track

This pumptrack, which is a 20,000-square-foot circuit of rollers, banked turns and features, is both the largest and the first paved pumptrack in the county. It brings new cycling opportunities to users of all ages and abilities, and fills a need for easily-accessible, skill-building outdoor recreation in the Watsonville area. This project was fully funded by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC), thanks to a generous donation from a private donor, and received support from key sponsors Bell Helmets, Shelton, Inc, Sierra Azul Nursery, and Delta Bluegrass Co. Interested parties can learn more about the project on the MBOSC website here. 

The Ramsay Park Pumptrack is currently open to cyclists from sunrise to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The north side of the track features larger technical rollers, berms and jumps, while the south side of the track hosts smaller features that are more accessible to youth users or pumptrack novices. This latest centerpiece of Ramsay Park complements the existing ball fields, skatepark, picnic area, and community center to appeal to a wide range of user groups of all ages. The Ramsay Park Pumptrack brings critical outdoor recreation infrastructure to South Santa Cruz County, and offers a COVID-safe opportunity for users of all ages to get outside, build their skills and exercise together.

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.