KING CITY — San Lorenzo Park in King City will reopen to the public beginning Thursday, July 1, announced Monterey County Parks.
Located along the eastern side of the Salinas River, the county park and its camping and picnic areas had been closed since April 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, although some trails were available on a walk-in basis.
With this reopening, visitors will again be able to enjoy all day-use picnic areas of the park as well as access the walking trail along the river. Several family picnic sites are also available throughout the park on a first-come, first-served basis.
The park was closed to RV and camping guests when a Covid-19 Alternate Housing Site was set up with more than a dozen trailers in the camp area, meant to quarantine coronavirus patients who otherwise were not able to isolate.
Those trailers remain in a closed camping area but have been halved in number for service. However, all trailers are being kept on site on standby in the event of a winter infection surge, according to Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez.
“There will still be no access for RVs at this point while we continue to serve the community with needs at the back of the park,” Lopez said.
Lopez noted the fence footprint will be reduced, but the AHS will remain active. He explained the area was the only county-owned AHS site, with others being rented from local hotels.
Another feature of San Lorenzo Park is the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM), which will officially reopen with the park on July 1.
One of the park’s most recognizable buildings is the large barn that houses the museum, surrounded by historic vehicles, as well as its numerous historical equipment pieces around the park.
“MCARLM will be reopening our doors to the public for visitation, tours, events and programs, along with the park,” said MCARLM Executive Director Jessica Potts. “We are excited to once again be able to provide our museum and services to our community and visitors.”
The museum crew recently hosted a premiere for its pandemic documentary created by interns, and now staff members will prepare the collection of antique equipment to participate in the King City Fourth of July parade. From antique tractors to classic cars, Potts said the museum is preparing 21 pieces to participate.
Elsewhere within the expansive park, there are five mini group picnic sites and two large picnic sites available by reservation. The DeAnza Building and Depot Buildings are also available by reservation. Deposit and site fees are applicable to all areas subject to reservations.
San Lorenzo Park is part of a yearlong No Day Use Entry Fee Program, which will also begin July 1 and run through June 30, 2022. Park entry fees will be waived during this time.
