Howarth Park | Everett

Howarth Park, located at 630 Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa, California, is a 138-acre recreational and nature park known as the “jewel” of Santa Rosa due to its diversity of activities, stunning lake views, family-centered design, and connections to larger nearby parks like Spring Lake Regional Park and Annadel State Park. It serves as a multi-generational gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, offering everything from peaceful nature escapes to bustling amusement rides.

1. Historical and Regional Context

Established in 1958, Howarth Park was named in honor of Leonard Howarth, a former city council member and civic leader who was a strong advocate for public green space and youth-oriented facilities. The park sits in Santa Rosa’s east side, nestled in a transitional zone between residential neighborhoods and natural oak woodland foothills. Over the decades, the park has been developed to include playgrounds, trails, boating, picnic areas, and seasonal amusements, while preserving a natural character that makes it feel far removed from city life.

2. Lake Ralphine

At the center of the park lies Lake Ralphine, a 19-acre manmade lake that offers both scenic beauty and recreational use.

Activities on and Around the Lake:

Fishing: Stocked with trout seasonally and containing bass, catfish, and bluegill. Anglers need a valid California fishing license (age 16+).

Boating: Rental options include:

Rowboats

Kayaks

Canoes

Paddle boats

Small sailboats

Rentals typically run March through October, available by the hour.

Boat Launch: Visitors can bring their own small boats (electric or non-motorized) with a nominal launch fee.

Lakeside Trails: Paths around the lake are shaded, gently graded, and popular for joggers and walkers, with benches and occasional wildlife viewing spots.

Dock and Viewing Deck: Offers panoramic views of the lake and is a great sunset photography location.

3. Playground & Youth Attractions

Land of Imagination Playground

Themed for creative and role-playing adventures: log forts, train cars, and wooden climbing structures

Zones mimic Old West towns, sailing ships, and frontier forts

Incorporates ADA-compliant features such as rubberized surfaces, transfer platforms, and inclusive swings

Train Ride

A scaled-down miniature steam train known as the “Redwood Valley Railway” circles part of the lake and playground areas

Includes a fun “haunted” tunnel and bridges

A local favorite that runs seasonally and is suitable for all ages

Carousel

Classic 30-horse merry-go-round with music, lights, and hand-painted figures

Often paired with birthday party rentals or family picnics

Requires tickets (about $2 per ride)

Animal Encounters (Seasonal)

Pony rides, petting zoo, and sometimes goat pens during spring/summer months

Ideal for children under 10

Operated seasonally by contract vendors

4. Trails & Nature Access

Howarth Park is part of a tri-park network that includes Spring Lake and Annadel State Park. Trails are well-maintained and popular with hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers.

Popular Trails:

Eagle Scout Trail: Moderate loop through woodlands and hills

Old Fisherman’s Trail: Follows the north lakeshore; connects to Annadel

Rincon Trail: Biking-friendly; leads toward Spring Lake and connects to other state park systems

Nature Trail: Short, interpretive trail with plaques explaining regional flora, fauna, and local geology

Trail conditions vary from paved to gravel and dirt. Trails are shaded by native oak, bay laurel, and redwood trees, making them pleasant even in summer heat.

5. Sports and Activity Zones

Tennis and Pickleball Courts

Six tennis courts, four of which are lighted for night play (lights require coin operation)

Proposed renovations to convert two courts to dedicated pickleball

Courts are first-come, first-served, with minimal wait times during weekdays

Softball Field

Regulation-size, lighted diamond

Used for league play, practice, and permitted group rentals

Adjacent bleachers, scoreboards, and dugouts available

6. Picnic and Group Facilities

There are over 35 picnic tables, many with built-in BBQ pits, scattered through shaded groves and lawn areas.

Group Sites:

Reserved areas accommodate 25–100 people

Amenities include nearby restrooms, water fountains, trash bins, and wheelchair access

Group events require permits (especially if bringing inflatables, amplified music, or large food services)

Open Lawn Area:

Wide central field for informal games, lounging, yoga, kite flying

Frequently used for community movie nights, outdoor concerts, and large seasonal events

7. Environmental Features & Wildlife

The park preserves a natural California foothill environment:

Home to ducks, geese, egrets, turtles, and herons, especially around Lake Ralphine

Native flora includes toyon, coast live oak, and coyote brush

Seasonal wildflower blooms attract bees, butterflies, and photographers in spring

Occasionally hosts guided nature walks and birdwatching meetups

8. Accessibility and Amenities

Free parking lots, with overflow street parking during peak weekends

ADA-accessible restrooms and paved paths in the playground and picnic areas

Drinking fountains, snack bar (seasonal), and vending machines

Dogs allowed on leash throughout the park

Bike racks, trash/recycling bins, and information kiosks at trailheads

9. Events & Seasonal Programs

Howarth Park hosts a variety of community-focused events:

Kite Day, Earth Day Santa Rosa, and family fun runs

Youth summer camps centered on nature education and outdoor recreation

“Movies in the Park”: outdoor film screenings with food trucks and local vendors

Birthday party packages: include use of carousel, train rides, and picnic zones

Why Howarth Park Stands Out

Howarth Park is a rare combination of nature preserve, recreational center, amusement park, and community gathering space. Whether you’re paddling on the lake, exploring forest trails, playing tennis, hosting a family picnic, or riding a carousel, the park offers meaningful, multigenerational experiences that reflect Santa Rosa’s commitment to accessible public green spaces and outdoor living. It remains one of the most well-rounded and beloved parks in Sonoma County.