History of the Recreation District
The Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District (MCRPD) was formed in 1973 with the original boundaries encompassing 20 square miles around Fort Bragg. In 1982 the District was expanded to include the area served by Mendocino Unified School District (MUSD). MCRPD leases the Fort Bragg Rec Center from the City of Fort Bragg and the historic schoolhouse in Mendocino from MUSD. Both are used for after-school programs and other community functions. MCRPDs business offices are located in the Fort Bragg Recreation Center.
MCRPD is also the title owner of the 47 acre Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, obtained for public ownership through the California Coastal Conservancy. MCRPD leases the facility to the non-profit Botanical Gardens Corporation, which is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the facility.
In 1989, residents of the Point Arena area requested that MCRPD initiate proceedings to incorporate the Point Arena School District into MCRPD. Though MCRPD does not own or operate any facilities in the Point Arena area, it has supported and sponsored many after school activities, and is involved in the development of a Recreation Center adjacent to Bower Park east of Gualala.
In 1978, using Park Bond Act monies, MCRPD obtained a five acre parcel known as Green Memorial Field in central Fort Bragg, and in 2006, began construction of its new facility at this location. In August of 2009 the C.V. Starr Community Center and Sigrid and Harry Spath Aquatic Facility opened to the public. It is home to two pools, fitness and dance rooms, conference rooms and the MCRPD business offices. Other future plans for the district include a 600 acre regional park and golf course located on Hwy 20.