Open Space, Parks, and Recreation

American Canyon General Plan

Parks, trails, open space, and recreation are vital components of the American Canyon lifestyle. Recreational facilities are important assets contributing to the livability of the community. Residents of all ages and social backgrounds need outlets for creativity, socialization, exercise and fun.

American Canyon has 5.5 square miles with a permanent greenbelt that surrounds much of the City. The greenbelt includes the Napa River and 500-acre wetlands preserve to the west, a crown jewel of the parks and recreation system. In addition to managing the green belt, the City of American Canyon’s Parks and Recreation Department plans all City-sponsored recreation classes, programs and special event. The Department oversees the operation of the Phillip West Aquatics Center and operation the Recreation Center and Senior Multi-Use Center. The Department is also responsible for the maintenance of 1100+ acres of park land and the maintenance of City recreation facilities.

This StoryMap provides background information on Parks and Recreation in American Canyon, covering the following topics:

  • Parks and Recreation Planning Documents
  • Open Space
  • Parks
  • Recreation Facilities and Programs

Parks and Recreation Planning Documents

General Plan, Parks and Recreation Element

 The Parks and Recreation Element  of the General Plan is one of the few sections in the General Plan that has not been updated since its creation in 1996. Interestingly, there are still some very relevant issues identified while other issues and policies are clearly outdated. More recently, efforts have been conducted to assess and update parks and recreation needs as described below.

Parks and Community Services Master Plan (2012)

 The Parks and Community Services Master Plan  was developed and written Community Services Commissioners and Open Space Advisory Committee with support from Parks and Recreation Department staff. The Master Plan inventories facilities and programs in effect and envisioned at the time and provides many aspirational goals.

Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment (2015)

 The Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment  offers a robust analysis of existing and future parks and recreation needs. The Assessment will serve as a good foundation for the Parks and Recreation Element update complemented by further updating and truth testing of plans and programs along with development of implementation strategies. 

Community input for the Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment revealed that the American Canyon parks and recreation system has a strong physical and operational presence in the community. Generally, residents see the system as one that is well maintained with numerous programs and amenities offered. Future improvements were identified in the areas of indoor facilities, aquatics, adult fitness, walking and bicycling, among other topics.

Open Space

Establishing and maintaining open spaces and trails preserve the natural beauty, uniqueness, and character of American Canyon. Residents recognize the importance of open spaces as evidenced by continued support for ballot measures to protect open space, comments received at public meetings, the high utilization of trails, and establishment of the Open Space Advisory Committee.

Wetlands Edge Park

Wetland Edge Park is a 526-acre conservation park located at 2 Eucalyptus Drive west of Highway 29. The park includes wetlands, open space, trails, benches, picnic tables and a portable restroom. This open space area provides spectacular views of the over 30 miles of open wetlands to the west of the City.

Did you know? These wetlands are part of the San Francisco National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the Pacific Flyway. The wetlands provide habitat for local wildlife and a safe haven for migrating birds.

Wetlands Edge Park trail entry point.

Newell Open Space Preserve

In 1999, Jack and Bernice Newell donated the Newell Open Space property to the City of American Canyon. This preserve includes 620 acres due east of the City connected by a pan handle along Newell Creek. The entry point for the trail is located at 7000 Newell Drive.

The Open Space Preserve includes trails, benches, and picnic tables, and provides critical space for recreation. Characterized by rolling hills and bordering farmland, visitors can take in sweeping views of American Canyon and areas across the valley to the wetlands and beyond. The preserve is open sunrise to sunset year-round, weather permitting.

Newell Open Space Preserve trail entry point


Clark Ranch

 Clarke Ranch  is a beautiful 24-acre parcel of currently undeveloped open space adjacent to the Wetlands Viewing Area and Napa River Bay Trail. The City acquired the land in 1999 and it has since been left largely untouched. In 2009, the City Council adopted a General Plan Amendment to designate Clarke Ranch as Open Space and approved zoning regulations for Clarke Ranch to be maintained as Open Space, Recreation, and/or Wildlife Conservation. Currently, Clarke Ranch is home to both our local 4-H and Spirithorse.

In 2017, American Canyon completed the  Clarke Ranch Master Plan  which planned Clarke Ranch as a community gathering place for all in American Canyon. The Plan envisions Clark Ranch as a hub of outdoor-based activity which will be environmentally friendly and nature based.


These open space areas provide opportunities for recreational tourism. In addition, there is interest in growing volunteer stewardship such as with the City’s River to Ridge Conservation Program that includes efforts such as the Newell Planting and Weeding Project and Pollinator Planting Project.

A smaller open space asset is the La Vigne Open Space area east of the neighborhood of the same name and is undeveloped but accessible by a pathway that runs behind the neighborhood. This open space provides a stretch of open hillside including oak woodlands and views of the surrounding area.


Trails

American Canyon boasts a number of local paved and unpaved multi-use trails with ties into the larger regional trail networks. The trail system includes:

  • the Napa River Bay Trail, a section of the San Francisco Bay Trail, with connections to the Wetlands Edge Linear Path, the Wetlands View Area, and Clarke Ranch. The Napa River Bay Trail provides great views of the wetlands and constructed ponds as well as public access to the Napa River;
  • the Honorable Mike Thompson Loop Trail (Landfill Loop Trail), located in proximity to the Napa River Bay Trail;
  • the planned River to Ridge Trail that, when complete, will traverse the community, east to west, to connect the Newell Open Space Preserve and Wetlands Edge Park.
  • the proposed Vine Trail that, if completed, will provide a north-south connection on the east side of the city, and extend beyond City limits to the north.

Napa River Bay Trail Map. The Napa River Bay Trail is part of the San Francisco Bay Trail network. When complete, the San Francisco Bay Trail will encircle San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with a continuous 500-mile network of bicycling and hiking trails.

Did you know American Canyon has a glass beach? Along the Napa River Bay Trail, just west of the Landfill Loop Trail, follow the path out to the river to find a beach covered in tumbled glass.

Parks

American Canyon currently has 22 park and open space facilities and 3 recreation/special-use facilities. Several types of parks and facilities serve the varied and diverse needs of the community: 

  • Neighborhood/School Parks – Neighborhood /school parks are smaller (0.5 to 10 acres) than community and regional parks and are intended to meet neighborhood recreational needs, preserve small open spaces, and be easily accessible by adjacent neighborhoods within a one-mile radius.
  • Community Parks – Community parks are mid-sized (10 to 75 acres) parks and are intended to meet broader community recreational needs, preserve unique landscapes and open spaces, and be accessible to multiple neighborhoods within a three-to-five-mile radius.
  • Regional/Specialty Parks – Regional/specialty parks are large (15 to 150 acres) parks and are intended to serve multiple communities, provide specialized athletic/sports/event facilities, and be accessible by communities within a 45-60-mile radius.
  • Conservation Parks – Conservation parks (unlimited in size) are intended to preserve natural and/or cultural resources, provide habitat areas for various flora and fauna, and provide passive recreational opportunities such as trails for hiking and exploring.
  • Pathways/Trails – Pathways/trails not only improve connectivity within the community, they are multi-use facilities that serve diverse recreational and transportation needs, including pedestrian, bicycling, mountain biking, equestrian, commuting, and at times, motorized uses.

Parks play an important role in the quality of life in American Canyon.

There is a unique diversity of park amenities and site types within the American Canyon parks and recreation system that serves the recreational interests of residents and visitors. These range from traditional amenities (playgrounds, shelters, sport courts, ball fields, pool, etc.) to unique features such as open space and wetlands.

This section includes descriptions of each of the neighborhood and community parks managed by the City.

Banbury Park

A small neighborhood cul-de-sac park located at 100 Banbury Way west of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment.

Bedford Park

A small half-acre neighborhood cul-de-sac park located at 323 Bedford Lane west of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment.

Community Park I

A 4.8-acre neighborhood park located at 1400 Rio Grande west of Highway 29 and just north of Donaldson Way Elementary School. Amenities include playground equipment, baseball field, softball field, large group barbecue and covered picnic area with picnic tables (6), horseshoe pits, walking path, open grassy areas, sand volleyball area and a restroom.

Community Park II

An 8.5-acre neighborhood park located at 20 Benton Way west of Highway 29 and just east of Donaldson Way Elementary School. Amenities include a walking and biking path, open grassy areas and a memorial tree grove.

Danrose Park

A 0.1-acre neighborhood park located at 785 Danrose Drive west of Highway 29. Amenities include a half basketball court and bench and an adjacent bike/pedestrian path.

Elliot Park

a 3.8-acre neighborhood park located at 2234 Elliott Drive west of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, basketball court, community garden, tennis courts (2) and an adjacent bike/pedestrian path.

Gadwall Park

A 2.1-acre neighborhood park located at 161 Gadwall Street on the west side of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, half basketball court, covered picnic area, picnic tables, walking and biking paths, benches and open grassy areas.

Kimberly Park

A 7.3-acre neighborhood park located at 600 Kimberly Drive west of Highway 29. Amenities include soccer fields (3), backstop and open grassy areas.

Linwood Park

A 1.3-acre neighborhood park located at 285 Linwood Lane west of Highway 29. Amenities include Picnic Tables, BBQ, Play Equipment, Walking & Biking Path

Little League Complex

A 6.5-acre recreation facility located at 280 Napa Junction Road just west of Highway 29. Amenities include Little League fields (4), snack bar and playground equipment.

Main Street Park

a 6.5-acre neighborhood park located at 5050 Main Street east of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, group picnic area, barbecues (2), plaza area, walking and biking path, open grassy areas and benches (8).

Melvin Park

A 1.0-acre neighborhood park located at 19 Melvin Road just west of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, tennis courts (2) and picnic tables.

Montecarlo Park

A 3.4-acre neighborhood park located at 54 Montecarlo Way east of Highway 29. Amenities include a walking path, benches (6), and open grassy areas.

Northampton Park

A 2.8-acre neighborhood park located at 242 Northampton Drive west of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, picnic areas, basketball court, youth softball field and open grassy areas.

Nottingham Park

A 0.5-acre neighborhood cul-de-sac park located at 270 Nottingham Lane west of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment and a bench.

Pelleria Park

A 1.1-acre neighborhood park located at 54 Pelleria Drive east of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, basketball half court, picnic tables (2), benches, walking path, and open grassy areas.

Shenandoah Park

A 5.7-acre neighborhood park located at 100 Sonoma Creek Way east of Highway 29. Amenities include a soccer/baseball field, playground equipment, restrooms, large group picnic area ‘A’ with picnic tables (6) and barbeques 2) and large group picnic area ‘B’ with tables (4), and a barbeque.

Silver Oak Park

An approximately 4-acre neighborhood park located at 485 Silver Oak Drive adjacent to Canyon Oaks Elementary School and east of Highway 29. Amenities include a soccer/baseball field, playground equipment, walking paths, group picnic area with picnic tables (6), barbeques (3) and open grassy areas. 

Veterans Memorial Park

A 14.2-acre neighborhood park located at 2801 Broadway Street, between Broadway Street and the railroad tracks, just east of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, covered picnic area with four tables, barbeque, bocce courts, walking and biking paths, ceremonial space, open grassy areas, and a dog park.

Via Bellagio Park

A 1.2-acre neighborhood park located at 100 Via Bellagio east of Highway 29. Amenities include playground equipment, picnic tables, barbeque, benches (4), walking and biking path and open grassy areas.

Recreation

Recreation programs enhance the quality of life for residents and play a vital role in developing a sense of community in American Canyon.

The City's Parks and Recreation Department provides a range of aquatic, senior, teen, and sports programs as well as special events, adult special interest and fitness classes, youth classes, and day camp. Several times a year, the City issues the American Canyon Parks and Recreation Activity Guide called The Playbook that provides current information on events, classes, facilities, and programs. 

Facilities

This section identifies recreation facilities managed by the City of American Canyon and summarizes the programs offered.

The Phillip West Aquatic Center, Community Center Gym and Skate Park are located within a single 4.4-acre site located at 100 Benton Way west of Highway 29. 

Philip West Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center boasts a six-lane swimming pool, seasonal wading pool, outdoor showers, restrooms, and dressing rooms. The City provides an array of programs including swim lessons for infants, toddlers, preschools, youth, teens and adults; coached swim; water aerobics; open swim; and lap swimming. Many classes are held on a year-round basis. The pool water is heated to 82°.


Community Center Gym

Located adjacent to the Aquatic Center, the community center gym houses a gymnasium, state, small meetgin room, and restrooms. The City offers a variety of programs at the gym, including basketball, volleyball, youth dance, and youth soccer skills.

From cheerleading and hip hop to ballet and contemporary, youth in the community can explore a variety of styles through the City's youth dance programs offered at the Community Center Gym.

The City hosts basketball and volleyball leagues, as well as open gym events throughout the year.


American Canyon Skate Park

Positioned just behind the Community Center Gym, the American Canyon Skate Park is setup on a 13,000 square foot concrete slab. The Skate Park features jump boxes, grind ledges, pyramids, grind rails, hips, wedges, sub boxes, pipes, bank ramps, quarter pipes, kicker, roll-in, and a half pipe. The Skate Park is generally open daily except when school is in session.

Recreation Center

This Recreation Center is located at 2193 Elliot Drive west of Highway 29 in the southern area of American Canyon. Amenities include a 67-person capacity assembly room, small kitchen and restrooms that support private rental use and public recreation and events.

The City provides a martial arts program hosted at the recreation center. Through this program residents can learn about fitness, discipline, and self defense, while studying martial arts under the guidance of trained-professionals.


Grandmaster Brando Castillo, pictured here, is an 8th Degree Black Belt in the Filipino Martial Arts of Kombatan and a 1st Degree Black Belt in both Hapkido and Jiu-jitsu.

Senior Multi-Use Center

The Senior Multi-Use Center is located on 1.0 acre at 2185 Elliot Drive west of Highway 29. The Center includes an assembly room, full commercial kitchen, multi-use room, restrooms, and foyer. The City offers a variety of active adult programs at the center, including dance, yoga, meditation, health education, computers, art, and senior nutrition lunch program as well as adult day trips to a variety of destinations. The photo below shows some of the programming offered January to May 2020.


Napa River Bay Trail Map. The Napa River Bay Trail is part of the San Francisco Bay Trail network. When complete, the San Francisco Bay Trail will encircle San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with a continuous 500-mile network of bicycling and hiking trails.

From cheerleading and hip hop to ballet and contemporary, youth in the community can explore a variety of styles through the City's youth dance programs offered at the Community Center Gym.

The City hosts basketball and volleyball leagues, as well as open gym events throughout the year.