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Monterey County parks to host July 26 Marks Ranch hike and Toro Park celebration for National Parks Month
Summary
County Parks Chief Brian Flores announced free community events on July 26: 'Explore Marks Ranch' (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) and a main Toro Park event (12–3 p.m.) with partners including Big Sur Land Trust, Salinas Valley Health, county health, Monterey County Regional Fire District, BLM and others; registration for Marks Ranch is optional that day.
Brian Flores, chief of parks for Monterey County, announced a series of free community events for National Parks Month at a county news briefing.
"Sunday, July 26, 9AM to 1PM is the Explore Marks Ranch," Flores said, and added that the main Toro Park event will take place the same day from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Badger Field area. He listed participating partners: Salinas Valley Health, Montage Health, County of Monterey Health Department, Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA), Monterey County Regional Fire District, Bureau of Land Management, Ventana Wildlife Society, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District and Big Sur Land Trust.
The nut graf: the events combine short hikes, historical tours at Marks Ranch, health-provider booths, recreation demonstrations (yoga, Zumba, disc golf) and family activities intended to encourage outdoor recreation and public engagement with county parks.
Flores described Marks Ranch as a historically significant property with a hacienda and succulents and said the county purchased most of the property from Big Sur Land Trust; normally access requires reservation, but on the event day visitors can show up without pre-registration. The morning program at Marks Ranch will include guided hikes to historic structures led by Big Sur Land Trust and the Audubon Society.
At Toro Park's main event, Flores said attendees can expect booths from partner organizations, Park Rx activities (where health providers highlight outdoor activities as part of wellness), guided hikes on the Toro Trail, family-friendly games, and disc-golf stations. He also announced a Sept. 12 celebration marking the 60th anniversary of Royal Oaks Park, with planned recreational contests and festivities.
Logistics: Flores said the main Toro Park activities will be in Badger Field (12–3 p.m.), and that some Marks Ranch activities begin at 9 a.m.; registration is optional for the July 26 opening day. The briefing did not provide details on parking capacity or vendor lists beyond the named partners; follow-up materials and flyers will be shared with partners.
