Learn about current park closures and updates.
Learn about current park closures and updates.
08/01/26
On August 19, 1946, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors created a new Department of Parks and Recreation. At the time, the County of San Diego was one of only three counties in the entire country with such a department (out of 3,071 counties).
The department began with several already established parks, including Collier, Lindo Lake, El Monte, Live Oak, Eucalyptus, Vallecito Stage Station, and Agua Caliente.
Since its formation, the department has grown from only dozens of parks to 159 parks, preserves, and facilities across nearly 60,000 acres with almost 400 miles of trails.
Parks Headquarters Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5
p.m.
History Center Hours: By appointment - (858)
966-1304; history.center@sdcounty.ca.gov
Coming Soon - SPECIAL SEPTEMBER HISTORY CENTER TOURS
Many people don't know that County Parks and Recreation has a history center at its headquarters in Kearny Mesa. The History Center has document, photo, and artifact archives and a large area with items on display.
Currently on display are old Park Ranger patches, badges, and hats; a life-size cut-out of our department's first female park ranger; informational and artifact displays about cattle brands, Rancho Guajome Adobe, Los Penasquitos Ranch House, and Valley Center Community Hall (which used to be the old school house).
We are putting together a guidebook to help you tour the historic parks, buildings, sites, and trails within the County Parks and Recreation system. we hope to have it ready soon.
Jason Hemmens, Director, County Parks and Recreation tells the story of the First County of San Diego Park Ranger Elmer Kern during the 2026 DPR Awards ceremony. In honor of the department's 80th Anniversary, Ranger Kern's two granddaughters attended the ceremony to say a few words about their childhood experiences with thier grandfather.
Credit to Randy Lindquist for the video footage.
Jason Hemmens, Director, County Parks and Recreation, tells the story of the first female County of San Diego Park Ranger during the 2026 DPR Awards Ceremony in honor of the department's 80th Anniversary. Ranger Samsioe was hired in 1957 and served for a decade at Palomar Mountain County Park. Credit to Randy Lindquist for the video footage.
Lori Erreca, a former County Rangerette, tells the story of the Rangerette Program during the 2026 DPR Awards Ceremony in honor of the department's 80th Anniversary.
The Rangerette Program was a summer program launched in 1972 that hired female college students to serve as park ambassadors and assist County Park Rangers with park operations. The role was a blend of customer service, public engagement, and operational support. The program helped diversify park staffing and created pathways for women in parks and recreation roles.
Credit to Randy Lindquist for the video footage.
Follow us on social media to learn more about our history, parks, and species; staff favorites; community events; and volunteer opportunities.
Together, let’s celebrate 80 years of County Parks and Recreation!
