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Parks & Recreation

Show All Answers

1. How do I register for a program?

There are multiple ways to register:
- Online utilizing the registration resource. Please call us if you need your username and/or password emailed to you.
- In Person: We are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street.
- By Phone: 707-822-7091
- By Mail:
736 F Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Please note: When registering by phone, we must have a registration form on file. If your child has not participated in any Arcata recreation programs in the current year, then we need a new form. All participants must have a current registration form completed each year. You can save time by emailing a registration form or sending it by fax to 707-825-2118, and then call our office. Online Registration Resource

2. Do you have a program for young children that promotes socialization?

Definitely! We have the Arcata Play Center that meets Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. All children ages 0 to 5 are welcome. Please note that the children must be supervised by parent/or guardian at all times. The play group is a partnership with First 5 Humboldt and offers a safe and comfortable environment for children and parents to socialize and play. Suggested daily donation is $3.

3. Does the City of Arcata have 65+ programming?

Definitely! The Humboldt Senior Resource Center operates a senior lunch and activity site at the Arcata Community Center at 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Activities include support groups, health assessments, exercise classes, dancing, arts and crafts and more! Please call 707-825-2027 or for more details visit the Humboldt Senior Resource Center Online Resource.

4. Are there sport leagues in Arcata?

Yes, depending on the season. View the fitness link on the programs and activities page to see what's currently being offered. Youth and adult soccer, football, and baseball/softball are organized by local non-profit groups that utilize our fields. Visit the Community Partners List to find their contact information. Programs and Activities Page

5. What is a “drop-in” program and how does this work?

"Drop-in” programs allow individuals the opportunity to participate in an activity for a day rather than commit to a full session or season. Examples of drop-in programs we have are sports (such as table tennis and basketball), music (such as ukulele and drumming), yoga and dance classes, gymnastics and martial arts. “Drop-in” fees vary depending on the activity and are paid onsite, pre-registration is not needed.

6. Where can I play tennis in the City of Arcata?

Our tennis courts are available to the public in Larson Park at 901 Grant Avenue (Grant Avenue and Eye Street).

7. Does the City of Arcata have a skate park?

Yes! We have a public skate park that is located at 900 Sunset Boulevard, just west of Highway 101.

8. How do I know if I am qualified as a resident of Arcata?

Anyone who has a physical address in the City of Arcata qualifies as a “resident”. You may also qualify if you own a business (however, please note that you must own a business, not just be employed in Arcata).

9. What indoor facilities does the City rent?

- Arcata Community Center - 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
- D Street Neighborhood Center - 1301 D Street
- Library Conference Room - 500 7th Street
- Redwood Lodge - 490 E Park Road, Arcata (Inside Redwood Park)
- Redwood Lounge - 490 E Park Road, Arcata (Inside Redwood Park)

For more information, access each facility listing.

10. How do I make a reservation?

To make a reservation request, call the City’s Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or contact by email. You can also stop by the office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation. Read more about making reservations.

11. Do I need to have a reservation to use a city park?

Not necessarily. Most city parks are open to the general public for use, however, if you would like to reserve a location we offer facility rentals for birthday parties and events. Available facilities include Larson Park Gazebo and/or Bocce Courts and the picnic area in Redwood Park.

The following conditions will require a reservation or permit:
1. Non-spontaneous large-group activities consisting of 50 or more persons
2. The charging of an admission or entrance fee
3. The use of City facilities not ordinarily available for public use
4. Regularly occurring organized team or league use of City sports fields or courts
5. The sale of merchandise, food or beverages
6. The setting up of booths, stages, vending carts or stands, kiosks, bleachers or similar structures
7. The barricading of any City street or other street use that would impede the normal flow of traffic
8. Amplified music or sound
9. The need for access to City electricity
10. The need for garbage collection specific to the activity or event
11. The staging or shooting of commercial, motion or television pictures, or still photography, exempting local businesses and tourism productions, as further defined by the City Council, when such activities do not otherwise require a City permit.

12. How can I reserve a park or Arcata Plaza for a special event?

To reserve a park or the Arcata Plaza please contact the city's Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or by email.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an Endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation. Learn more about park reservations.

13. What are the City Park hours?

Public parks are closed between sunset and sunrise, except the Plaza, which is closed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

14. Where can I find maps of City parks and open spaces?

Maps, pictures and information on playgrounds can be found by searching the Map of Play online resource. Enter your zip code and watch the map populate with local parks and playgrounds. Go outside and play! Map of Play

15. Where can I find more information on Arcata's natural habitat?

Learn more about Arcata's natural habitat by exploring our Environmental Services section.

16. How do I get involved with the farm or community garden at Bayside Park?

To learn more about the farm, purchase a farm share, or rent a garden plot, access the Bayside Park Farm and Community Garden resources.

17. How can I become an instructor for a recreational class?

We are always looking for instructors who are interested in leading specialty classes and workshops. If you have a skill or talent and wish to teach a class, submit your proposal to:
Arcata Recreation Division
ATTN: Heather Stevens, Recreation Supervisor
736 F Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Find more information and download an Instructor Information Packet and Contract Class Proposal Form by checking out the Employment and Volunteer Opportunities Page

18. How do I become a Volunteer Trail Steward?

Help monitor/pick up litter and assist with restoration along with the Arcata Community Forest Trails Council. For more information, visit the Humboldt Trails Council online resource.

19. How do I report broken equipment or unsafe conditions at a playground or facility?

Contact the Arcata Environmental Services Department at 707-822-8184.

Environmental Services Department

20. Who should I call if the skate park gate is locked during normal hours?

Please contact the Arcata Police Department at 707-822-2428. Police Department