Carr Lake Park and Wetland Planning and Design

Thanks to $488,760 from the Climate Ready Program, the Big Sur Land Trust has taken a big step towards transforming Carr Lake into a new park and greenspace for residents in the heart of the City of Salinas. The community has long imagined transforming Carr Lake into a multi-benefit green space, serving as a “central park” in the heart of Salinas.

Carr Lake was once a seasonal lake and wetlands until it was converted into farmland about a hundred years ago. Now, the area is prone to flooding and divides the city geographically. Runoff from surrounding urban and agricultural land causes Carr Lake to contribute some of the most polluted waters affecting Monterey Bay. This project will help address a need for parks and green space in the community of Salinas as well as restore seasonal wetlands and native vegetation. The multiple benefits from this project include reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration, improving air quality, providing floodplain enhancement, and improving water quality.

Big Sur Land Trust has been spearheading the project along with its many community partners. Funding from the Climate Ready Program was used to complete the planning phase of this long-term vision which included community engagement, design plans, environmental review, and permitting.

“Since the 1970's Salinas residents have been advocating for a park in this exact area, which is the heart of the intersecting creeks that flow from the surrounding mountain ranges. The future Carr Lake Park is going to be an invaluable addition to the Salinas community,” said Natalie R. Herendeen, Executive Director of the Center for Community Advocacy.

“Big Sur Land Trust and the Center for Community Advocacy have worked tirelessly to really center the voices and empower them in the development of this process….The vision for Carr Lake is driven by community values and leadership that really bring a sense of ownership and belonging to the community that aren’t really traditionally engaged in the process and so I have been inspired by the promise of this future open and green space that is greatly needed for families in our community,” said Andrea Manzo of East Salinas Building Healthy Communities. 

The Big Sur Land Trust expects construction of the project to begin in 2024.