County Park attendance generally up year to year; drought takes toll

The latest numbers from Monterey County for park attendance show an increase at most parks year to year. Lake San Antonio, though, has taken a hit with a drought ravaged lake level.

Here’s a look at attendance at county parks year to year from 2012/13 and then 2013/14 provided by Monterey County:

Jack’s Peak 16,715/17,648

Laguna Seca 296,057/312,600

Lake Nacimiento 329,064/334,758

Lake San Antonio North Shore 166,279/20,326

Lake San Antonio South Shore 88,472/76,489

Royal Oaks 22,010/30,135

San Lorenzo 73,426/48,034

Toro Par 121,433/147,238

It seems with rainfall above normal for this rainy season so far, Monterey County lake parks could see a further boost in attendance.

And Monterey County will make ‘hay’ while they can. The parks department has spurred usage at parks through the annual pass program for years.

The annual pass can purchased for $80 dollars for day use and parking at Toro Park, Jacks Peak Park, Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Royal Oaks Park, San Lorenzo Park and Lake San Antonio. The annual pass also provides users with 50% off the day use fee at Lake Nacimiento.

The annual passes are good for 1 year from the date of purchase. But the County says if you buy one now, it won’t expire until January 31, 2016.

Now the county is offering a new annual pass for park users that stick to one park. The one park annual pass for day use is $60, a $20 dollar savings. The promotion for the annual day pass for one park will last through January 31, 2015 and these passes will expire on January 31, 2016.

Annual passes can be purchased at the county parks administrative office at 855 E. Laurel, Building G, Salinas. The department accepts cash, check or Visa or Master Charge.

If you’d like more information call 831-795-4895