Bionic is leading an extensive design and engagement process for San Lorenzo Park along the San Lorenzo River in downtown Santa Cruz. Located at the heart of the city and county, San Lorenzo Park is a cherished but outdated park with unique potential to be transformative for Santa Cruz. The park and surrounding area may have been a site of the indigenous Awaswas-speaking Uypi tribe. Following the devastating 1955 flood, San Lorenzo Park was transformed into its current open space configuration. Yet the needs of the City and County of Santa Cruz have changed since the 1950s. The redesign effort will define the new needs, as well as the unique opportunities the park can offer to an evolving Santa Cruz and the park’s diverse population of users.

Based on the community engagement process, an analysis of the park’s existing park features and conditions, and the city’s maintenance and operational needs, Stage 1 identified ambitious and forward-thinking opportunities for San Lorenzo Park that can be accomplished through the guiding principles and design goals. These will guide the redesign process in drafting alternatives, developing the concept plan, and informing the final plan.