Some local children got to spend their rainy Saturday splashing in the creek and learning about the insects, plants, animals and geology of South County at the annual Raincoats and Rubber Boots event at Henry W. Coe State Park.
The event took place March 2 at the park’s Hunting Hollow entrance, located on Gilroy Hot Springs Road in unincorporated eastern Santa Clara County. About 85 people—mostly children—attended, despite a persistent light rain. Children decked out in rain gear played with rubber ducks and boats in Coyote Creek, which was muddy, high and fast due to recent rains.
The families also participated in a scavenger hunt, in which they were given a list, with pictures, of different trees and other plants near the Hunting Hollow entrance, and asked to identify them and check them off the list. Kids who completed the scavenger hunt were rewarded with a coloring book or similar prize, according to Chere Bargar, co-chair of the event.
Children were also given beads of different colors that represent the Earth’s water cycle, and made bracelets with them. A bicycle obstacle course was set up in the parking lot for children to enjoy. A volunteer geologist was on hand to educate children about the different types of rocks found in and around Coe Park, and encourage them to look for these formations as they ventured out to explore the park.
The purpose of the event was “mainly just to get the kids out to play in the water and have a good time,” said Bargar, who co-chaired the event with Kitty Swindle. The festivities were sponsored by the non-profit Pine Ridge Association, a group of volunteers that supports activities at Henry W. Coe State Park.
Upcoming events at Coe Park, sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association, include a March 10 Fungus Hike from 9:30am to 1:30pm (at the Hunting Hollow entrance, 4826 Gilroy Hot Springs Road); guided wildflower walks from 11am to 1pm April 4 and 7 (at the park HQ entrance, 9000 E. Dunne Ave.); Backcountry Weekend April 26-28 inside the remote, seldom-traveled Bell’s Station entrance on Highway 152 east of Gilroy; Mother’s Day breakfast May 12 (at the HQ entrance); and Ranch Day (details to be announced).
Some events require registration and/or fees beforehand, and a day use parking fee is required. For a complete list of upcoming events at Henry W. Coe State Park, including information on registration and fees, visit coepark.net.
