Santa Cruz closes greenbelt areas due to fire risk

Santa Cruz is closing five greenbelt areas Thursday due to “extreme” fire risk, city officials said.

Pogonip, Arana Gulch and Moore Creek open spaces, DeLaveaga Park and Arroyo Seco Canyon will be closed. The golf course at DeLaveaga Park will remain open and special events will go on.

The city attributed the closure to fire conditions that have sparked large wildfires in Northern and Southern California, as well as several suspicious fires in the area that have resulted in five arrests over the last month.

City officials said in a statement:

“The City understands that these closures negatively impact those who responsibly enjoy public open spaces, and ask for their patience during this time.”

The parks will be reopened if weather improves or the trees and brush receive rain. All five locations are part of the wildland urban interface, or green open area, which wraps around the city.