California State Parks is seeking public input to help shape the future of Dos Rios State Park, located near Grayson. This initiative is part of a multi-stage planning process that aims to gather community feedback on how the park should be used in the long term.
On Wednesday evening, state parks staff hosted an online workshop to discuss what visitors appreciate about the park, what improvements are needed, and ideas for its future. This was the second such event, following an in-person workshop at the park earlier this month.
Most participants in the recent workshop had previously visited the park, engaging in activities such as hiking, walking, and observing nature. The park has recently expanded its offerings, now allowing swimming and fishing in the rivers and adding five new hiking trails.
Rhonda Allen, representing the California Native Plant Society, noted her involvement in planting native vegetation at the park a decade ago with River Partners. “We don’t understand our river systems very well and how important they are to the valley,” Allen said, “so this will be an opportunity for people to really understand why they’re so valuable.”
Gus Link of the Stanislaus Fly Fishers said he has not yet visited the park but appreciates the presence of a confluence, where the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers meet. “Confluences for me are kind of magical places — I like to fish them,” Link said.
The park currently includes an almond orchard that is leased for one more season. Its future use is still under discussion. There is also a barn on the property that staff hope to restore for community use or to showcase local agricultural history.
Lee Eal, a cultural resources manager and tribal liaison for California State Parks, highlighted coordination with local tribes, including the Northern Valley Yokut Ohlone. “They’ve established a three-acre native use garden, which is very unique to state parks and something a lot of parks strive to have,” Eal said. The garden is used for traditional basket weaving and harvesting.
The park’s location on the Pacific Flyway makes it a destination for bird watchers, with species such as Aleutian cackling geese, song sparrows, and yellow warblers observed there. One workshop participant suggested adding informational signs about local wildlife and vegetation along the pond section.
Dos Rios State Park also functions as a natural floodplain, helping recharge groundwater, reduce flood risk, and sequester carbon, which contributes to climate change mitigation. The habitat has supported the return of species like the riparian brush rabbit and riparian wood rat.
Workshop participants recommended more educational opportunities for children and families, improved wheelchair accessibility, and additional restrooms. There was some concern about introducing electric motorbikes, extensive campgrounds, or motorized boats, with many attendees emphasizing the importance of keeping the park natural.
The park’s name, “Dos Rios,” which refers to the convergence of the two rivers on the property, was generally supported by the community. However, park manager Paige Haller invited suggestions for naming the property’s pond. “I’m certainly open to it,” Haller said. “We don’t have a name for it other than ‘the pond,’ so if you’ve got ideas and feedback, please submit them to us.”
Public engagement will continue throughout the planning stages, but the initial phase will conclude this fall. Those interested in participating can sign up for updates by joining the Dos Rios Park mailing list at Plandosrios.org/faq. The online survey seeking public comment on the park’s next steps is open until Nov. 1.
