EUREKA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

The City of Eureka contains many neighborhood and community parks. Neighborhood parks primarily serve the needs of residents living within one-half to three-quarters of a mile from the park and are from one to five acres in size. Improvements have been made with children in mind, such as tot lots, children's play structures, and unlighted sports fields and/or courts.

Community parks serve the needs of residents living within three-quarters to two miles of the park, and are from 30 to 50 acres in size. Improvements are usually oriented to all age groups, and typically include large landscaped areas, rest rooms, lighted sports fields, and specialized equipment and resources not found in the neighborhood parks.

Sequoia Park and Zoo, located in the heart of a redwood forest is owned and operated by the City of Eureka. The zoo began as a collection of animals kept at Sequoia Park. The zoo now features naturalistic exhibits and focuses on education. The complex encompasses 77 acres of redwood forest with trails, picnic areas, a duck pond, flower gardens, a children's playground, and a zoo. In the summer, a petting zoo is available to small children.

Eureka's location on the North Coast puts it in easy reach of several recreational areas of state, national, and even international significance. Redwood National Park, Six Rivers National Forest, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, (located within the City limits), Patrick's Point State Park, and Humboldt Redwoods State Park are some of them. Because the Coastal Redwood is unique to this part of the world, many parks and reserves have been created to preserve and safeguard them.

Patrick's Point State Park is located within 30 minutes north of Eureka and offers day use and overnight camping. Breathtaking panoramas of ocean, beach, and mountain vistas are beyond description. The rugged coastline presents the beachcomber an opportunity to add agates, shells, pebbles, and other treasures to his or her collection. Picnicking, hiking the trails along the rugged ocean front cliffs, and camping are an exciting experience close to home.

Redwood National Park is a World Heritage Site, and its forest includes the world's tallest tree, accessible by a 3-mile roundtrip walk. The park also features 40 miles of coastline, trails, camping, wildlife, visitor centers, and interpretive tours in the summer. It is located 40 miles north of Eureka.