The Water Park at the Spring Lake lagoon opens for the season on Saturday, May 27. Part playground and part obstacle course, the inflatable floating Water Park is for kids (at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall) and adults who like to make a splash – and a hop, flip and a jump.

We're offering three, two-hour sessions daily through Labor Day. Tickets are $10 per session and available online now.

Have you ever wondered what the sky looks like with 50 to 100 kites flying all at once? Or the beach dotted with sandcastles? Come to Castles & Kites at Doran Beach on Saturday, May 20, and you'll wonder no more. Join local kite vendors, their flying teams and amateur and professional sand castle builders for a fun day at the beach. Bring your own kite or buy one at the park.

Looking to enjoy the beautiful Russian River this summer? Avoid parking headaches and reduce your carbon footprint by taking the Regional Parks River Shuttle. Starting Saturday, May 27, through Labor Day, shuttle service runs from El Molino High School campus to Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville every weekend and holidays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. All-day tickets are only $5 and kids ride free.

With higher Russian River flows this year than in past recent summers, we want to ensure your safety while having fun. Our free “loaner” life jacket stands return to Russian River beaches at Del Rio Woods, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Steelhead Beach, Forestville River Access and Sunset Beach starting Memorial Day weekend. Just grab a vest for the day and return it when you leave.

As an extra precaution, our roving Russian River lifeguard patrol begins visiting river beaches on weekends through the summer. And by early July, we plan to have the dam at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach installed for the first time in several years, creating a family-friendly beach through Labor Day.

Celebrate 50 years of Spring Lake by entering the Parks Foundation's Spring Lake Photo Contest, running now through July 15. Beginners and pros alike are invited to submit their best photos of this popular community park. Each entry costs $10 and proceeds will fund ongoing Spring Lake park improvements and youth camperships. Winners will be determined by popular vote, so rally your friends and family to vote for your entry! Cash prizes awarded to the top three adult and top three youth finalists.

As we enjoy community events and time at the coast this summer, let's do our part to responsibly share the beaches with wildlife like the Western snowy plover, a small shorebird found at Sonoma County beaches, including Doran Regional Park. The plover is federally protected due to its declining numbers caused by climate change and human disturbance. To help this little bird thrive, remember a few key things when visiting Sonoma Coast beaches.

On Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., meet one of our future parklands. Calabazas Creek has a fascinating history and boasts beautiful vistas, creekside treasures and a challenging hike. Park staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and point out the land’s features. Sign up.

Have you ever wondered how a sea star eats? How many different types of sea urchins live along our Sonoma coast? Learn about the diversity of the rocky shoreline of Doran Beach on Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m.-noon, during this family friendly, hands-on event. Sign up..

On Saturday, May 27, 9-10 a.m., breathe in the fresh air as you move through meditation exercises (dhyana) and posture sequences (asanas) through breath work (pranayama). The class is designed for every body and all levels. Sign up.

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