San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation E-Newsletter | | | |
Meet Your Parks and Recreation Newsletter!
Welcome to the very first edition of the Parks and Recreation e-newsletter! We are excited to launch this new monthly update as your one stop shop for everything happening across our parks and at Micke Grove Zoo. Each month, we will share exciting updates, upcoming events, and highlight the improvements and activities taking place throughout San Joaquin County’s park system.
We are also thrilled to announce something we have been working hard on behind the scenes. Our brand NEW GIS Park Locator Tool is now live on our website's homepage and ready for you to explore. For the first time ever, you can view every County park in one place, find the park closest to you, search by amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, and fishing areas and click for turn by turn directions right from the map. It is easy to use, fun to explore, and the perfect way to plan your next visit. Give it a try and discover a new adventure in your community.
There is so much happening with major improvements and great community events on the way. This newsletter is all about staying connected and celebrating what we can accomplish together. Thank you for following along and helping us continue to show that San Joaquin County Parks Make Life Better!
— Ashika Lal, Parks Administrator
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Fall Fun at Micke Grove Zoo
Greetings from Micke Grove Zoo, it’s been a busy time here! Last month, we hosted our annual Trunk O’ Treat event and it was a spooktacular time! At the zoo, guests could choose from three interactive stations including a temporary tattoo station, a chalk art area and an animal enrichment-making station. Our zookeepers also held various keeper talks and training sessions throughout the night. We were very moved to see everyone come out to support the zoo and can’t wait for next year!
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October also marked the arrival of, Sherman’s Shoe Drive, a shoe, clothing and supplies drive hosted by our shoe-loving Radiated Tortoise, Sherman! The collection event was a success, and Sherman’s official shoe inspection will happen early this month on our social media channels. All donations will be given to the American Indian Child Resource Center for distribution to those in need. We appreciate the community's support for this worthwhile project!
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What's Ahead at the Zoo
November will also feature the second session of a new training program, Teen Volunteer Bootcamp! Each Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM, teens ages 14 - 17 will be educated in skills needed to volunteer at the zoo. Different tasks will be highlighted each day including gardening, enrichment, animal observations and biofact presentation, with those excelling becoming independent volunteers! We look forward to watching our new recruits ace bootcamp!
'Tis the season for holiday cheer, keep an eye on our Facebook, and Instagram, as we have some exciting announcements coming soon! In the meantime, please check out our Amazon Wish List if you are in the giving mood this season! Help us make this season a memorable one for our animals!
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Nature Center Programs!
Have you explored the Oaks Nature Center at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park yet? Step inside and experience our stunning and freshly restored California wildlife diorama, showcasing the incredible diversity of animals in the Central Valley. Stroll through the atrium and the brand-new California Native Plant Demonstration Garden, beautifully designed and planted by the Stockton Garden Club.
Plus, don’t miss our lineup of FREE programs happening this month. Come reconnect with the outdoors and see what’s new at your local Nature Center! The Oak Grove Nature Center is located inside Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd. in Stockton. Hours are 12 PM to 4 PM Saturdays and Sundays, vehicle entry fee is $6 cash most weekends.
Please Note: A $6 cash parking fee applies for events. No registration required, pets not permitted.
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6 Senses Native Plant Trail Adventure!
Sunday, November 16 at 11 AM
Join us for an engaging and interactive walk along the Native Plant Trail. Using all five senses, we’ll explore the oak woodland and develop a personal “sense of place.” Ideal for adults and families.
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Prospective Oak Grove Nature Center Volunteer Open House
Sunday, November 16, 12 PM to 4 PM
Interested in volunteering? Stop by our Open House to pick up a free information packet and learn how you can get involved. Opportunities include helping with school tours, data entry, exhibits, nature programs, gardening and more. No experience necessary, training is provided.
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Woodland Winter Wonders
Sunday, December 7 at 1 PM
Enjoy an easy, hour-long guided walk along the accessible Yokuts Trail and let’s “wonder” what’s going on with some of the plants and animals in winter! What’s up with all that mistletoe—friend or foe? Should we be raking up all those leaves? Do any animals here hibernate? What’s starting to grow while everything else withers?
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We Are Hiring!
The Zoo is looking for YOU! Micke Grove Zoo is currently seeking an Animal Care Specialist (Zookeeper) to join our team! For details on the position or to apply click the link below.
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Join Us to Shape the Future of South County Regional Park!
Thursday, November 13, 5:30 PM to 7 PM
Tracy Community Center, 950 East Street, Tracy
San Joaquin County is planning a brand-new 100-acre regional park on the northern edge of Tracy near the Delta area, known as the Sugar Cut. This exciting project will bring new opportunities for recreation, connection, and community gatherings for residents across the county.
Join us for the Community Workshop to learn more and share your ideas for what this park should include.
During the workshop, you’ll:
- Hear from County leaders and the project team about the park’s vision, goals and design concepts.
- Explore interactive stations featuring trail networks, playground ideas, amphitheater concepts and sustainability features.
- Share your feedback on what matters most, from recreation amenities to environmental protection and community programs.
- Help shape a space that reflects your community’s values and future.
RSVP Today!
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