County Waives Park Fees for Military in Honor of Veterans Day

Veterans receive free boat launching, parking from Nov. 10 to Nov. 16 at Solano County parks

October 23, 2012

Active-duty military, veterans and military retirees and their families can enjoy a free week of boat launching and parking at Solano County parks on the week of Veterans Day. 

The fee waiver will be good from Saturday, Nov. 10 through Friday, Nov. 16 at Lake Solano County Park west of Winters, Sandy Beach County Park near Rio Vista and Belden's Landing boat launch near Suisun City.

"This is a token of our appreciation for the men and women who have served our country," said Supervisor Linda Seifert, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.  ”We’re especially delighted to welcome military families new to Solano County for a first outdoor experience in our great County parks, whether that’s hiking, picnicking, boating or fishing.”

This is the third year the County has waived fees for Veterans Day to honor active-duty military, veterans and their families.  This year the Board expanded the fee waiver from a weekend event to a weeklong opportunity. During this week, the usual $5 daily parking fee and $5 boat launch fee will be waived for veterans. Camping, group picnic pad, and other fees still apply.  

The fee waiver is offered to all who present a valid military identification card, a Solano County Veteran Discount Card, honorable discharge record (DD-214 or World War II service record) or Veterans Affairs identification card at Lake Solano, Belden’s Landing, and Sandy Beach County Parks. Lynch Canyon Open Space is closed for the season.  Both County residents and non-residents are eligible.

“Solano County Parks is proud to recognize the service, sacrifice and community contributions of our military personnel and families,” said Dan Sykes, Solano County Parks Manager.  

For picnics and fishing, Sandy Beach Park offers access to the Sacramento River, Lake Solano Park is on Putah Creek, and Belden’s Landing provides access to the sloughs of Suisun Marsh.  Lake Solano Park also offers gentle currents for paddle craft and shady shoreline trails.  Picnic areas are first-come, first-served and open at 8 a.m.  Closing times are 6 p.m. at Sandy Beach Park and 4 p.m. at Lake Solano Park.  Motorized boat launches at Sandy Beach Park and Belden’s Landing are open 24 hours per day.

For directions and park information go to www.solanocounty.com/parks, or call the Solano County Parks administrative office at (707) 784-6765.  

Veteran Discount ID cards are issued at the Veteran Services Office on the fourth floor of the County Administration Center, 675 Texas St. in Fairfield.  To get a Veteran Discount ID card, honorably discharged veterans should present a copy of their DD-214.



Lake Solano Park

Lake Solano Park, located at the base of coastal foothills west of the town of Winters, is considered one of the best flying fishing spots in the Sacramento Valley. This destination point for outdoor enthusiasts caters to anglers, boaters, campers and picnickers. It is also ideal for hiking, bird watching and wildlife photography.

The Park features a campground with 58 RV and tent campsites, of which 36 have water and electric hookups, and interpretive trail and exhibits. There are restrooms complete with flush toilets, sinks and hot showers. The day use area has picnic sites, reservable group picnic pads, a free boat launch for non-powered vessels, parking and restrooms. The picnic area is located directly east of the campground.

To contact Lake Solano Park, call 530-795-2990.



Sandy Beach Park

Sandy Beach Park overlooks the Sacramento River just south of Rio Vista and is a great launching point into the more than 1,000 miles of Delta waterways. Open year-round, Sandy Beach offers a 24-hour boat launch, 42 RV and tent campsites fully equipped with electric and water hook-ups and picnic grounds with barbecue grills.  Picnic tables are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other recreational activities enjoyed at the park are jet-skiing, pleasure boating, wind surfing, sailing, horseshoes, volleyball and sunbathing on the sandy beach. Swimming is not allowed at Sandy Beach due to strong currents and sudden drop offs. No lifeguard is on duty at the park.

The campground includes picnic tables, campfire rings, hot showers, flush toilets and a RV dump station. Dogs on leash are welcome in the campground only. Dogs are not allowed in the day use area (picnic area and beach).

To contact Sandy Beach Park, call 707-374-2097 for maps and reservation information.



Belden’s Landing

Belden’s Landing, located on Montezuma Slough in the Suisun Marsh, offers convenient, lighted parking with trailer pull-throughs, concrete boat launch, fishing pier, restrooms and picnic tables.  Launching your boat at Belden’s Landing connects you with the incredible scenery and wildlife of the area and a history spanning from the Suisunes Indians to ranchers and farmers of the last century.  Belden’s landing is located where the old ferry crossing carried hunters and fishermen to Grizzly Island.

The boat launch and courtesy dock are open 24 hours a day.

For more information, contact the park staff at Sandy Beach Park at 707-374-2097.