About Us

Vision

Creating community through people, parks and programs.

Mission

Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks provides recreational experiences, fosters human development, increases cultural unity, protects environmental resources, facilitates community problem solving, strengthens safety and security, promotes health and wellness, strengthens community image and sense of place and supports economic development.

What We Do

The Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Department operates and maintains over 1,100 acres of City park lands, open space, civic space and roadside landscaping along with over 10,000 trees. City crews care-take 72 neighborhood and community parks and a large number of special recreational and historic facilities, including Howarth Memorial Park, Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, Church of One Tree, DeTurk Round Barn, Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, Finley Community Center with the Person Senior Wing, Steele Lane Community Center, Ridgway Swim Center, Finley Aquatic Center and the Bennett Valley Golf Course.

The Department provides recreation programming to participants of all ages and abilities, offering hundreds of scheduled classes year-round. Additionally, with a share of the funding from the Transactions and Use Tax (Measure "O"), the department provides gang prevention and intervention services to youth in Santa Rosa through after-school and summer programs.

Standards of Behavior

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks requires all park users and participants of recreational programs to treat the people and facilities connected with its programs with respect and abide by all rules and direction from staff. Recreation & Parks reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for failure to abide by these standards.

Photo Policy

Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks reserves the right to photograph facilities, activities and program participants for potential promotional use. All photos are the property of Recreation & Parks and may be used for publicity or promotional purposes only. If you or anyone in your family should not be photographed, contact Recreation & Parks at 707-543-3737.

Liability Policy

In consideration of participation in Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks programs, participants agree to indemnify and hold the City of Santa Rosa harmless and release the City of Santa Rosa, its officers, employees and agents from any and all liability for any injury arising out of or in any way connected with participation in the Department's programs.

Refunds & Cancellations

  • Full refund for cancellations made at least 7 days prior to class or camp start – Camp Wa-Tam excepted.
  • 25% fee for any Camp Wa-Tam cancellation at any time following registration.
  • 25% fee to cancel fewer than 7 days before class or camp start for all programs other than Camp Wa-Tam. Or, you may transfer to an alternate class.
  • No refunds or changes within 3 business days of any class or camp start.
  • All cancellations must be made in person or by phone. For a list of contact information, please visit our Contact Us web page.

Business & Strategic Action Plan

In 2008, City Council approved a long term strategic plan for the Recreation & Parks Department. Click here to view it.