Ben Lomond Park Upgrades Approved, Funded

Santa Cruz County officials signed off on plans to improve the Ben Lomond Park on the river at Mill Street.  Using Proposition 40 funds and with the Board of Supervisors approval today, work should begin on the first phase soon.   Additional upgrades await word on whether additional money from the state will be forthcoming.  That is expected in September.

Phase 1 includes resurfacing the basketball court, new playground equipment and upgrades to the rest room facilities as well as various other improvements.  Approximately $400,000 will be spent between now and December to enhance the popular downtown Ben Lomond spot.

Additionally the Board of Supervisors asked the Park Department staff to begin exploring plans to restore the dam which creates a popular swimming hole in the summer and has been missing for a number of years.

Local community members have been working with Park staff to design the new layout and most are pleased with today's announcement.