Cooper Gulch Park
General Facility Rental Guidelines
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the desired date of use. Liability insurance may be required. Insurance packets are available upon request.
- Check availability or request a facility online
- Reservations must be made at least one (1) month in advance of requested date of use
- Reservations will be accepted up to one (1) year in advance
- Rentals require a security deposit, rental fees, rental contract and if applicable liability insurance and staff fees
- Liability insurance is required for some rentals. Insurance packets are available upon request.
For more information, to make a reservation or request an insurance packet, please contact the Community Services Department.
Areas available for Rent:
Fees effective 7/1/22 - 6/30/23
North Ball Field (closest to parking lot)
| Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm excluding holidays | Monday - Friday after 4pm, Saturday, Sunday & holidays all day | |
|---|---|---|
| Per Hour | $22 | $22 |
| Security Deposit (refundable) | $50 | $50 |
| Staff Fee | $35 | $45 |
| Field Lights per hour | $40 | $40 |
Click here to request to rent the North Ball Field.
South Ball Field (closest to parking lot)
| Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm excluding holidays | Monday - Friday after 4pm, Saturday, Sunday & holidays all day | |
|---|---|---|
| Per Hour | $22 | $22 |
| Security Deposit (refundable) | $50 | $50 |
| Staff Fee | $35 | $45 |
| Field Lights per hour | $40 | $40 |
Tournament Fees for Cooper Gulch North & South Fields
| Per Day | Fees |
|---|---|
| Up to 8 teams | $150 |
| 9 - 12 teams | $300 |
| 13 or more teams | $500 |
| Field Prep per day | $150 |
| Field Lights per hour | $40 |
Between 1947 and 1950, the City bought 19 acres at the foot of Cooper Gulch. To this, an additional six acres has been added, proposed to be included in the development plan.
Looking back into the history of the Cooper Gulch recreation area it is interesting to note that at least two non-recreational uses have been proposed for this area; namely, a site for the National Guard Armory and a site for City Hall.
Going back 10 years to April 4, 1957, at the meeting for the Recreation Commission, it appears that this was the last serious attempt to develop Cooper Gulch. Excerpts from the last minutes of this meeting are as follows:
“Development of the Cooper Gulch area as a recreation site in general and of the Cooper Gulch baseball field in particular was discussed by those present. The Recreation Superintendent reported that there is, at present, $1,125 left in the Cooper Gulch Fund with which to work and Commissioner Gruhn stated that such a program of development would be ‘in line with past intention of several years back’ and that the area was ‘about the last available and logical site for a major recreation development.’ Baseball league representatives were present to emphasize the need for another ballfield due to the present overload in existing city and high school facilities and pledged their cooperation with the proposed program. Mr. Stanley Roscoe, City Engineer, stated that at one time the Council voted to allocate $10,000 per year to the Cooper Gulch Fund for development as a recreation area, but after the first year, no more allocations were made. At that time, $6,000 or $7,000 was spent on putting in a storm drain, but that was all. Mr. Roscoe further stated that: (1) the main problem was getting finances for drainage of the land, approximately $45,000 needed; (2) the work would all be done on the east side of the ditch running through the property and the ditch itself left open; (3) he would have to re-grade and build the ballfield higher than the rest of the ground; (4) if he could borrow a big ‘cat’ and a 25 yard carryall from Mr. Adams at the high school, the clearing and grading could be done in 7 or 8 days for less money than the $1,000 now available; (5) a road could be built through the area which would provide ample parking facilities; (6) while there are no sanitary facilities as yet, there is a sewer system which should be near completion within another two years; (7) there would be a need for some good topsoil (which might be obtained from a grading job planned for the near future at 11th and F Streets); (8) as far as the equipment is concerned, right now would be the best time to start working on the ground; (9) he would give all necessary help on the engineering problems and possibly could even put a couple of his men to work on the weekends.
The Recreation Superintendent was instructed to follow through by contacting the schools for permission to use their grading equipment and by writing to the City Council informing them of our intentions and asking them to ‘allocate $10,000 per year, as previously done, or other such additional amounts as could be obtained in order to permit us to get going on this project.”
The Director of Public Works recommended to the Recreation Commission at their April 16, 1959 meeting “that a sub-drainage system should be installed at Cooper Gulch before any development there is begun. He said that 400 feet of pipe is already at Cooper Gulch which could be used to take care of two temporary diamonds for this summer, and that 800 more feet are needed to complete the drainage system. The commission passed the motion requesting the City Council to appropriate sufficient funds to take care of the needed drainage in the Cooper Gulch area and that action be taken to develop the ball diamond area.”
From April 6, 1951 Commission minutes: “The improvement of Cooper Gulch as to drainage is proving to be a great deal more expensive than estimated and the Council has taken no action as yet.”
In June 8, 1951 Commission minutes: “Cooper Gulch - $10,000 set aside by Council – a meeting to be called next week by representatives of service clubs to work out plan for three years. Meeting to be held Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Recreation Department office.”
From October 18, 1951 Commission minutes: Regarding a possible site for a National Guard Armory “Turner showed a map of Cooper Gulch with the proposed armory section outlined by the engineer’s office. It was mentioned by the group that if the state accepted the Cooper Gulch site, the long-range plan for Cooper Gulch would be destroyed. The question of Parkside being accepted while next tot eh reservoir was brought up. Also, the question was raised as to whether the title on Cooper Gulch was clear. Adams, moved, seconded by Turner, that the specified six acres of Cooper Gulch be offered first for the armory site and second, the available 5.27 acres at Parkside with the legal description being used in the recommendation to the Council. It would also be recommended to the Council that if the state accepts either of these areas, that there be a written agreement with the state stating that the area could be use by recreation when available. Motion carried.”
On February 8, 1952 Commission minutes: “Discussion for use of $10,000 set aside for use at Cooper Gulch resulted in a decision to review plans for the development of the whole of Cooper Gulch with a view to spending the money in a way constructive to the plan, or if the $10,000 should prove insufficient to accomplish a worthwhile project at this time, to wait until more money can be made available so that wise use may be made of all of it.”
Rural Recreation and Tourism Grant Update
On August 23rd 2022, California Parks and Recreation announced the winners of the Rural Recreation and Tourism Grant. Eureka’s submission for Cooper Gulch Park was not selected for funding. The grant program had $23 million available and received $182.3 million in funding requests making this program highly competitive.
Thank you to the countless individuals who provided input and helped shape the master park design. Special recognition goes to Cooper Gulch Common Grounds, Redwood Community Action Agency, the Wiyot Tribe, Humboldt County Office of Education, Humboldt Trails Council, National Parks Service and Redwood Region Audubon Society for their continued support throughout the planning and design process. The renovation and investment of Cooper Gulch Park by the City continues to be a high priority and additional funding opportunities will be sought.
If you are interested in seeing the grant award list, you can view it here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30901.
If you are interested in donating to support this project, you can contact (707) 441-4206.
Cooper Gulch Final Site Map for grant.
People dressed in Halloween costumes on Halloween providing feedback on Cooper Gulch Park.
New $2.9 Million Grant Request for Cooper Gulch Park
The City of Eureka is excited to announce its application for the Prop 68: Rural Recreation and Tourism Program offered by California State Parks. This funding helps fund park projects in critically underserved communities with low population levels. The city is working hard to improve all city parks with the focus of this grant application being to revitalize Cooper Gulch Park.
This grant application is an evolution from a previous Prop 68 funding opportunity which was not awarded funding. A robust community input process took place from October 2020-February 2021 with the support of neighborhood community group, Cooper Gulch Common Grounds. We would like to thank the countless individuals who attended the meetings and responded to the survey, along with those who reached out directly with their input. Though the original proposed project was not awarded funding, the park design and input has directly guided the scope for this new grant request.
This new funding opportunity makes available a maximum of $3 million for park projects. Staff carefully selected improvements from the previous application that would be most competitive and create a well-balanced improvement project scope and budget.
The new grant request resulted in a total of $2.9 million for the following park improvements:
Construction of two new, accessible playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 5-12
New ADA accessible restroom featuring low-flow toilets and LED lighting with a rentable concession stand
A universally accessible jogging/walking loop will be added around the ballfields
New recreational trails throughout the park including new neighborhood entrances and a new entrance at 14th Street
New wildlife viewing structures and trail system for birding and wildlife viewing including interpretive signs and information for a self-led interpretive tour
Removal of invasive species and new native plantings and trees to restore creek and riparian corridor
Outdoor fitness equipment along walking loop
Disc golf course will be renovated with new baskets, launch pads, safety and shared signage, and paths
A notice of award should occur in Summer 2022 should this project receive funding.
Click on the image below for a larger view.
Grant Update - Prop 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program
On 12/9/21 CA State Parks announced the awardees for the Prop 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. This opportunity was highly competitive, and unfortunately this project was not selected for funding and City staff will continue to pursue funding opportunities for this master plan. Thank you to everyone who helped provide input on this project and we look forward to when this project comes to fruition when new funding is secured.
Community Input Results in New Design &
Grant Request for Cooper Gulch Park
The City of Eureka is excited to announce its application for the Prop 68: Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. This funding opportunity helps fund park projects in critically underserved communities. The city is working hard to improve all city parks with the focus of this grant application being to revitalize Cooper Gulch Park.
A robust community input process took place from October 2020-February 2021 with the support of neighborhood community group, Cooper Gulch Common Grounds. We would like to thank the countless individuals who attended the meetings and responded to the survey, along with those who reached out directly with their input. The conceptual design now available for your viewing is a direction reflection of this community engagement. Click on the image below for a larger view.
This process resulted in a grant request for $8.4 million for the following park improvements:
• Construction of two new, accessible playgrounds for ages 2-12 including a fenced area designated for ages 2-5
• New ADA accessible restroom featuring low-flow toilets and LED lighting
• The existing ballfields will be renovated to be multi-use field supporting baseball, softball, soccer, and special events and will include, new bleachers, new dugout, new scorer’s table, and drainage improvements to extend the fields usable season
•A universally accessible loop trail will be added to the park, curving through and around the park to support jogging, walking, bicycles, strollers, and skateboards
• Upgraded recreational trails throughout the park including upgraded neighborhood entrances and a new entrance at 14th Street
• Group picnic/barbeque area including new picnic tables and ADA accessible tables, and picnic areas throughout the park
• New native plants and trees and creation of rain garden/bioswale to divert Park and parking runoff
• A rentable concession stand
• Outdoor environmental classroom to support educational and performance opportunities
• Outdoor fitness equipment along trails
• Upgrade and improve irrigation for the Park
• The community center will be renovated to be more energy and resource efficient and provide diverse programming opportunities for all ages and abilities
• Disc golf course will be renovated with new baskets, launch pads, safety and shared signage, and paths
• Parking improvements including ADA access and rain gardens/bioswales to manage stormwater
• Lighting will be improved throughout the Park to allow for extended nighttime use and to increase public safety
A notice of award should occur in Fall 2021 should this project receive funding. Due to the success of the 20/30 Park grant award of $6.3 million from the previous Prop 68 grant cycle, which is currently being designed this summer, our city is well positioned to again be successful in this competitive grant program.
We would like to thank all of our community partners who made this project proposal possible:
Cooper Gulch Common Grounds
Humboldt County Library
Humboldt County Office of Education
Wiyot Tribe
National Parks Service
Humboldt Trails Council
Eureka High School
Redwood Community Action Agency
Tri-County Independent Living
Silvercrest Assisted Living
A big THANK YOU to everyone that took the survey and shared their thoughts about Cooper Gulch Park improvements!
The survey is now closed.
Haga clic en la imagen a continuación para realizar la encuesta.
Can’t take the survey online? Call the Humboldt County Library at 707-269-1915 (11AM-4PM Tues-Sat) and request a paper survey for curbside pickup.
Not sure where Cooper Gulch Park is located? See map below.
Special thanks to our Community Partners:
Cooper Gulch Common Grounds, Empower Eureka, Eureka High School, Humboldt Trails Council,, Humboldt County Library - Eureka Main Branch, Humboldt County Office of Education, Tri-County Independent Living - Eureka, Redwood Community Action Agency RCAA & Humboldt Trails Council Volunteer Trail Stewards
Not able to make a meeting?
Share your thoughts about improvements that you would like to see at Cooper Gulch.
Click on the image below to email your ideas to City staff.
Click on the image below for a larger view.
Zoom Meeting Links
October 22, 2020 from 6:15pm - 8:15pm
To join this Zoom Meeting use the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84097123813?pwd=VFM0QXNjWkFUTDRMb0xhRHl4bFM2QT09
>> Enter Meeting ID: 840 9712 3813
Or use: One tap mobile
+16699006833,,84097123813# US (San Jose)
+14086380968,,84097123813# US (San Jose)
Or: Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
October 27, 2020 from 10am - 12pm
To join this Zoom Meeting use the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87249496860?pwd=Y2FmRzR3bmVCNHkxY3VQSklQOWg2Zz09
>> Enter Meeting ID: 872 4949 6860
Or use: One tap mobile
+14086380968,,87249496860# US (San Jose)
+16699006833,,87249496860# US (San Jose)
Or: Dial by your location
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
Project Partners:
Do you or someone you know need help accessing the internet for the Zoom meetings?
Visit a library parking lot! Wireless is available at all Humboldt County Libraries outside in the parking lot. Most people find they can use wireless easily, even from their car. (Distances may vary depending on your device and the library in question.)
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Free Wi-Fi Tuesday through Saturday in every Humboldt County Library Branch Parking Lot.
Cooper Gulch Vision Plan
The City of Eureka and Cooper Gulch Common Grounds (CGCG) have collaborated to make a Vision Plan for Cooper Gulch.
To view the vision plan for Cooper Gulch, please click here.
The City of Eureka applied for the Green Infrastructure Program Grant from the California Natural Resources Agency in 2019. This funding opportunity was very competitive, and unfortunately the project did not receive funding. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities for this park.
Click here to view the Cooper Gulch Regional Trail Access and Habitat Restoration Project Site Map for Green Infrastructure Grant.