FAQ's

Yes. Hiring is contingent on a fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice when teaching classes with students under the age of 18 with no guardian present. The City pays for the fingerprinting. The Human Resources Department will contact you to pick up the paperwork complete with locations and times of availability. The City pays for fingerprinting for you plus 2 additional instructors (your teaching assistants or perhaps a substitute teacher of your choice) per year. Teaching assistants need to be fingerprinted only if they are ever the sole supervisors of the students. Substitutes also need to be fingerprinted and cleared prior to teaching.

Call 911. File an incident report within 18 hours with the Recreation Supervisor (Josh Clevenger, fax 831-420-5271) who will forward the report to the City Risk Manager within 24 hours.

If the class is not offered in a City facility, a Certificate of Insurance is required naming the City as additionally insured for $1,000,000 for most classes and $2,000,000 for high risk classes (outdoor rock climbing and surfing). See:

• Requirements for Certificates of Insurance(PDF, 39KB)
• Sample insurance certificates(PDF, 128KB)
• Sample endorsement(PDF, 276KB)

Typically we plan a week of make-up dates for each class session (at the end of the session) so that if you do get ill and must cancel, we can schedule a make-up class at the end of the session. We will call your class participants for you and let them know you are sick and give them their class make-up date. You can also schedule a substitute however they must be fingerprinted and cleared prior to teaching (see #20 below).

You may elect to do that. When we call you to cancel your class, if there are several registrants enrolled, we will offer you that option. It is entirely up to you!

We ask that registrants register at least three business days prior to the start of the class. Typically four days out, we check enrollment. If it does not meet your minimum, we will call you to let you know the enrollment number and our intention to cancel the class. Upon your approval, we then call already-registered class participants to let them know the class is cancelled.

You can check our instaReg website to see how many are enrolled, or you can call our office and request your roster, 831-420-5270.

You do, based on what class size is most appropriate for your topic, your comfort level as well as the students, teaching effectiveness and facility availability.

If your class is offered in your place of business, your business will receive some promotion by virtue of being included in our activity guide. We require that you not solicit your students to purchase your services and products while in class, but obviously the positive relationship you build with students could be beneficial to your business in the future.

If your class includes materials for art, cooking, or other class-related supplies which the student will then get to keep, you are entitled to charge a material fee. We ask for an itemized estimate of what the fee includes. Students are asked to pay the material fee at the first class directly to you.

At the completion of each class session, you submit an invoice for which you are paid within 30 days.

Example class fee is $100.00. (With administrative fee, published price is $120.00, but Parks and Recreation retains the $20.00 administrative fee). You have 10 participants. Multiply class fee $100 x 10 participants x 80%. In this case you would be paid $800.00 for the class.

Example class fee is $100.00. (With administrative fee, published price is $120.00, but Parks and Recreation retains the $20.00 administrative fee). You have 10 participants. Multiply class fee $100 x 10 participants x 60%. In this case you would be paid $600.00 for the class.

Instructors who teach in a city facility are paid 60% of the base fee (Parks and Recreation retains the remaining 40% of the base fee, the administrative fee and non-resident fee). Instructors who provide their own facilities and insurance naming the city as additionally insured are paid 80% of the base fee (Parks and Recreation retains 20% of the base fee, the administrative fee and non-resident fee). If you would like to enroll in our automatic electronic vendor payment program, please complete the Vendor Payment Registration Form and submit it to the Finance Department: Attention Accounts Payable.

The independent contractor (instructor) works with the Parks and Recreation classes specialist to determine the class fee, to which Parks and Recreation adds an administrative fee ($23.00). The class fee + the administrative fee creates the “resident” price (our residency boundaries are the boundaries of the City of Santa Cruz). Non-residents pay approximately 30% (of the base fee) more per class. So, there are always two prices listed for each class: the resident price and the non-resident price.

No, as a class instructor you are an independent contractor with the City of Santa Cruz.

Complete the Course Proposal Form. Please note: instructors wishing to teach classes at the Santa Cruz Harbor must first obtain a harbor use permit from the Santa Cruz Port District. Call 831-475-6161 for information.

Class subjects that are current or deal with new skills or technologies are encouraged. Trends in cooking, health and fitness tend to be popular. Optimum class length is one to two hours no more than twice a week for four to six weeks. Depending on your topic one or two day workshops can be effective. Afternoons and evenings are best during the school year. During summer, children’s classes work best weekdays. Weekends work well for outdoor pursuits for adults and families.

We mail our Activity Guide to 42,000 households in Santa Cruz County, register all of your participants, provide you class rosters, and provide classroom facilities (if you need them). There’s no risk in teaching a class with us – if your class doesn’t fill to your minimum requirement, we cancel the class.

Please contact our Front Desk (parksandrec@cityofsantacruz.com or 831-420-5270) to discuss the issuance of a credit or refund. Please note, staff is providing phone and email service at the following reduced schedule: 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm.

For class refunds, please contact our Front Desk (parksandrec@cityofsantacruz.com or 831-420-5270) to discuss the issuance of a credit or refund. Please note, staff is providing phone and email service at the following reduced schedule: 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm.

For Civic Auditorium ticket refunds, please contact the Box Office at tickets@santacruztickets.com or 831-420-5260. Phone messages and email are being checked periodically. Patrons are encouraged to donate the cost of their ticket to the organization.

Outdoor park amenities can now be reserved by calling 831-420-5270, Monday-Friday 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm.

Please see the list of amenities and park features that have been affected countywide.

Lower DeLaveaga Park will reopen for programs and public use on June 14 including the meadow, softball fields, picnic areas, playground and restrooms. The Parks and Recreation office is now accepting reservations for DeLaveaga Park beyond June 14 following state guidance. Reservations are also currently accepted at Harvey West Park. Call the Parks and Recreation administration office at 420-5270 to make a reservation. As indoor gatherings are highly discouraged, Laurel Park will serve as an extension of the Louden Nelson Community Center and available for rentals including live outdoor theater. To reserve your space today, contact the Center at 420-6177.

All Beach Street restrooms will remain open. Park restrooms will be replaced by portable restrooms and handwashing stations at Grant Park, San Lorenzo Park, Frederick St. Park, Ocean View Park, Neary Lagoon, and Garfield Park. Staff and public safety is of paramount importance. All other public restrooms in Parks will be serviced on a regular basis consistent with the latest guidance on safe cleaning for COVID-19.

Most Parking along West Cliff and East Cliff is open but the following areas are still closed:
Limited parking along Swanton Rd at West Cliff Dr.

All park amenities are now open. Practice social distancing, wear face coverings, and wash hands regularly. Park restrooms will be replaced by portable restrooms and handwashing stations at Grant Park, San Lorenzo Park, Frederick St. Park, Ocean View Park, Neary Lagoon, and Garfield Park.

Wear a mask - the order is still in effect. Wash your hands. Keep 6 foot distance.

"Pack it in, Pack it out": There are reduced trash services on the beaches at this time. If you are using the beach we ask you to be responsible and take your trash with you when you leave.

More beach information

Report violations to your local law enforcement agency. For the City of Santa Cruz, report violations through our Community Request of Service Portal (CRSP), choose General Request.

The City and County of Santa Cruz are now aligned with the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Currently, we are accepting applications for Film/Photography Permits, Gathering/Expression Permits, and Outdoor Fitness Permits in accordance to Public Health Guidelines. Private reservations for religious or cultural ceremonies of less than 50 persons will also be considered. All future special events applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and subject to cancellation as our staff continue to closely monitor the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Parks and Recreation staff are working closely with our community partners to modify programming of essential services, such as meals for vulnerable populations, to better align with California Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Both the deposit and full rental amount are due at the time of the reservation. However, we offer a very generous refund policy. You can cancel one (1) week in advance and be eligible for a full refund.

All events, classes and activities at the community center must cease at 9:00 pm. Because we are a self-service facility, breakdown of the event must be completed by 9:00 pm as well. Breakdown includes, sweeping, mopping, light cleaning, wiping down tables, stacking chairs and returning the room back to its original configuration. Please note that breakdown of a medium-sized event can take up to an hour.

You are only admitted into the rental space at the time listed in the rental agreement. If you need additional setup time, please plan and book accordingly. See “Can I make changes to my rental?” for more information.

The community center is a self-service facility, meaning that event preparation, setup and breakdown are required of the renter. However, tables or chairs are available free of charge.

Changes can be made to your rental at least one (1) week prior to the event date. During the week of your rental, you may add time to your event if it is available but not reduce time.

All classroom rental cancellations require at least one (1) week in advance from the date of the rental for a full refund. Cancellations made within a week of the start date of the rental forfeit all rental fees but are still eligible for a deposit refund. Auditorium rentals require thirty (30) days advance notice to be eligible for a rental refund.

Deposits vary per area. There is no deposit required for classroom rentals. There is a refundable $100 deposit required for the multipurpose room and kitchen. There is a refundable $200 deposit for the auditorium. Special events in Laurel Park require a deposit of $150.00.

The deposit will be refunded after it has been determined the facility remained in its original condition, no damage occurred and the event ended at its scheduled time. If you paid by credit card, the credit will be returned to the original card used in the transaction within seventy-two (72) hours of being processed. If you paid by cash or check, the deposit will be mailed to the listed address on the account within 3-4 weeks from processing.

Free two-hour street parking is available as well as a three-hour parking lot at the Police Department across the street (Lot #26). Street parking is enforced from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. Parking permits allowing for extended time are available at the front desk when attending community center activities. Permits are valid around the perimeter of the community center, down Laurel Street and Lot #26.

Amplified music approval varies. For a band or a DJ, you must rent the Auditorium due to a strictly enforced noise ordinance in the neighborhood. Sound equipment is available for rent through the community center. Laurel Park is approved for amplified sound as well but only a limited number of events per year. Low level amplified music and/or acoustic bands are allowed in the remaining classrooms.

Wireless high speed internet access is available for free through Cruzio. There are no password requirements. Just simply connect to “Louden Nelson Cruzio Hotspot” and agree to the terms and conditions.

Alcohol (beer and wine only) is allowed at the London Nelson Community Center. All events serving alcohol must be reviewed by the Center's Supervisor and pay a refundable $200 deposit. In cases where alcohol is vended, an additional permit from the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Agency will be required as well notification/approval from the Police Department (SCPD). Alcohol is not allowed in Laurel Park.

The City of Santa Cruz operates leagues for both men and women in a variety of sports. Check out our adult sports pages on the website for more information.

We offer senior activites at the Louden Nelson Community Center at 301 Center Street. The center offers a wide variety of classes, trips, activities, special events and services, which are available to anyone 50+. For more information, call the Downtown Senior Center Desk at 831-420-6180 or visit our website.

Yes! The Santa Cruz Teen Center offers recreational activities such as basketball, pool tables, Wii, X-Box 360, outdoor activities, foosball, movies, internet, music and a pretty chill space. Also pick up our current calendar to find out what’s happening for teens in Santa Cruz.

The Teen Center sponsors dances, band nights, special events, day and overnight trips, sports, and outdoor events in addition to daily activities. Check our monthly calendar and our Facebook for ongoing activities!

Yes!

Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park

Address
225 San Lorenzo Blvd at Riverside Avenue. Limited on site parking. Nearest public parking at Laurel and Front Streets.

Skate Park Rules
Open 9 a.m. to sunset daily. All skaters must wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads and have skateboards and in-line skates with composite wheels only. Bicycles, scooters, and metal skate wheels are not allowed in the skate park. The skate park will be closed during rainy or wet conditions.

City Names New Skate Park after Ken Wormhoudt
Before his passing in 1997, Ken Wormhoudt was the world’s premier skate park architect and continues to be well recognized as the pioneer of skate park planning. His approach, which his son, Zach Wormhoudt follows to this day, is to involve local skaters in designing their own park, with the architect providing a realistic sense of options and helping the skaters to select and arrange the features which meet their needs. Ken would provide the skaters with modeling clay and have them work together to design their own ideal park.

Park Features
15,000 square foot park featuring full pipe, two bowls with pool coping and tile, practice bowl and street course with steps, hubba ledges, wall-rides and metal rails.

University Terrace Park
Meder Street. Second Entrance at Nobel Drive.

Surfaces:
Sand, Grass, Asphalt

Features:
Basketball Court, 2 Tennis Courts, Playground, Large Lawn Area, Picnic Tables, fenced Off-Leash Dog Area

City residents receive a lower fee for Parks and Recreation classes because they pay city taxes that support our programs. County Residents do not receive a discount because they do not pay city taxesThe City of Santa Cruz has residential limits. The City of Santa Cruz residency includes addresses from West Cliff to 4th Street in the Harbor Area. Occupants who live in addresses outside of these city limits are considered non-residents and will pay non-resident fees.

1. Contact Team Manager to play on desired team or
2. Sign up on a Free Agent List.

All players require proof of residency or non-resident fee at the time of sign-ups. No exceptions.

Please check with the City’s Sports Homepage for sign-up deadlines.

A form of identification with your name and current City of Santa Cruz resident address such as: Valid driver’s license, Personal Check, Utility bill, Deposit slip

Reservations can be made for Harvey West Park and DeLaveaga Park. Neighborhood Parks are on a First Come First Served Basis.

There are both Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz City Parks and Recreaiton Departments. The City of Santa Cruz is an established City just like Scotts Valley and Capitola are cities. Everyone outside the City of Santa Cruz City Limits becomes a Santa Cruz County Resident. People who live outside of Capitola City are also Santa Cruz County Residents. The Santa Cruz County is like an umbrella that hosts all the cities under it and people who are not in a specific City are still in the County.

City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation
323 Church St, Santa Cruz CA 95060
Call: 831-420-5270

And County of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation
979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz CA 95060
Call: 831-454-7900

You do if the tree measures 14” in diameter or greater, measured 4.5 ft from the ground. This makes it a “heritage” tree. You would also need a tree permit for trimming greater than 25% of the tree.

Yes, it’s $50.00 for the first tree, $20.00 for each additional tree to be removed plus a 6% Technology Surcharge Fee.

Yes, you would need to apply for a tree permit for any Street Tree Removal/Replant. There is no fee for Street Tree Removal/replant applications.

If the tree removal is an emergency (demanding immediate action to prevent loss of, or damage to life, health or property) submit the Emergency Tree Removal/Verification Request. There is no fee for emergency applications or dead tree verification.

You can only apply for a Dead Tree Verification if there isn’t any living green leaves left on the entire tree.

The general turn-around time for heritage tree removal permits is approximately 2-3 weeks from the date they are submitted to our department and all applicable fees and mitigation requirements have been met.

Mitigation is the last step of the tree application process for your heritage tree removal if you have been given tentative approval of your permit. You have the option of paying a $250.00 bond per tree removal or making the appropriate monetary contribution to the City’s Tree Trust Fund.

If you choose to pay the $250 bond, you would be required to replant a tree at an appropriate site on your property. After the tree is in the ground for a minimum of 90 days, you would contact the City Urban Forester for inspection of the replanting and your bond money would be refunded to you.

If you choose to make a monetary contribution to the City’s Tree Trust Fund, those funds are used to purchase trees to be planted on public property in the City of Santa Cruz.

Once the permit has been given tentative approval, there is a 10-day appeal period in which the tree removal location is posted with a notice. After the 10-day appeal period has passed and no appeals filed, your permit becomes effective. Approved tree permits are valid for 45 days.

Unfortunately, we cannot get involved in private property issues between neighbors. The owner of the property where the tree is located would have to apply for a tree removal permit. If that property owner isn’t willing to do that you may consult with your homeowner’s insurance agent or a private attorney for any liability concerns.

Activity registration is available 24/7 online using WebTrac. Additionally, walk-in registration is available at two convenient locations within city limits (Parks & Recreation Office or the London Nelson Community Center). Registration by phone is available by calling (831) 420-5270, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 4:00 pm (PST). Please note seasonal registration rules may limit when and how you may register, such as time and place. See the Activity Guide for more information.

Your username and password may have expired or you may be locked out of your account due to too many unsuccessful attempts. You can log onto WebTrac to recover your password, but you will need to contact our office to reset the account lock out. Please call the registration office at (831) 420-5270, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for assistance.

There are a few ways to change your password: 1) click on the link next to the “Forgot your password?” question on the WebTrac splash page and follow the online instructions; 2) come down to or call either Parks & Recreation Office or London Nelson Community Center and speak with a customer service representative; or 3) send an email to webtrac@cityofsantacruz.com. Be sure to include your name, contact information and request.

To setup an account online using WebTrac, click on the link next to the “Need an Account?” question under the Member Login panel on the WebTrac splash page. To setup an account in-person, visit any of our two convenient locations (Parks & Recreation Office or the London Nelson Community Center).

Online and in-person account setup requires users have a valid email address, home address, unique login, and phone number. NOTE: in order to be considered a Resident, your account address must be located within Santa Cruz City limits.

All new accounts created using WebTrac are recorded with a status of Nonresident until we can verify your home address. Confirming your home address is simple. You can visit either of our conveniently located in-person sites (Parks & Recreation Office or the London Nelson Community Center); or send us an email with your information.

Types of documents used to confirm your home address include the following:

1. Current utility bill from the last ninety (90) days with your address and name listed
2. State or Federal issued ID card or drivers license
3. Bank statement from the last ninety (90) days (redact any sensitive information)
4. Other official documents with your name and address listed with date issued from the last ninety (90) days

This message appears when the registrant has not met the age requirements for the activity. The registrant must be of the age listed in the course information by the first day of the scheduled activity. A valid birthdate must be inputted on the registrants account. To update your account information, please call (831) 420-5270 or email webtrac@cityofsantacruz.com and speak with a customer service representative. Be sure to include your name, contact information and request.

WebTrac calculates age using birthdate information. In order to register for activities that have an age requirement, birthdate information is required to be listed on the member’s record. To update your account information, please call (831) 420-5270 or email webtrac@cityofsantacruz.com and speak with a customer service representative. Be sure to include your name, contact information and request.

To add more members to your Park & Recreation account household, please call (831) 420-5270 or email webtrac@cityofsantacruz.com and speak with a customer service representative. Be sure to include your name, contact information and request. You can also visit any of our two convenient locations (Parks & Recreation Office or the London Nelson Community Center).

While the Parks & Recreation Department does not provide cumulative child care receipts, you can find all of your household receipts in WebTrac. Simply login and go to My Account. The City's tax ID is #94-6000427.