Six Flags California
If you’re a thrill seeker, the ultimate in extreme rides can be found locally at Six Flags Magic Mountain. With nine lushly themed lands, the entire family can spend a fun-filled day of rides, games, food and entertainment. Young adventurers will enjoy seeing their favorite Warner Brothers characters throughout the park and at Bugs Bunny World, where special attractions and rides are just their size. Also, new in 2008, beloved children’s icon Thomas The Tank EngineTM and his friends have pulled into the all new Thomas TownSM. A newly-created Thomas & Friends themed area designed to entertain children of all ages

Six Flags Magic Mountain unveiled the latest enhancement to its supreme coaster dynasty in 2008 with the completion of the transformation of X to X2, the world’s only 5th dimensional coaster! (Initially opened in 2001), now boasts an entire sensory explosion of fire, fog and sound elements. Unlike traditional coasters where trains only parallel the track, X2 is pushed to the extreme. Riders will race in newly-designed, sleeker, lighter vehicles that spin independently 360-degrees forwards or backwards on a separate axis- creating an unprecedented “don’t know what to expect next” sensation. Perched on the EDGE of a massive 20-foot wide wing- shaped vehicle, riders will plummet 200 feet to the ground – head-first face down – and race at 76 miles-per-hour spinning head- over-heels and performing forward and backward acrobatics through the massive 3,600-foot twisting steel maze.

Magic Mountain also is the home to Tatsu, a one-of-a-kind flying beast that takes the coaster experience to the next generation as riders face a never-been-done-before completely integrated flight pattern – up, down, over and through – the Park’s distinct mountainous terrain. Scream, Southern California’s first floorless coaster, which simulates racing through the air in a flying chair – with no floor below, no track above and no car around you. Then there’s Goliath, one of the highest, fastestand steepest coasters in the world. With “white knuckle” anticipation, riders climb 26 stories to Goliath’s peak and make a 61-degree vertical plunge downward into a 120-foot-long underground tunnel. The rest of the three-minute long, high-speed adventure takes riders over 4,500 feet of steel track with daring “butterflies-in-your-stomach” plunges, huge sweeping spirals, zero-gravity “floating” hills and drops. More thrills can be found on any one of the park’s other major roller-coasters, including Colossus, the tallest wooden coaster west of the Rockies; Riddler’s Revenge, the world1s tallest and fastest stand-up roller coaster; and Superman The Escape, the world’s tallest, fastest and most technologically advanced thrill ride.

The park is open daily, usually from early April through mid-September, weekends and holidays the remainder of the year. Hours vary. Go to Six Flags online at www.sixflags.com for additional information and updates.

Hurricane Harbor
Next door to Magic Mountain is the “forgotten world” of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a tropical jungle-themed water park. Splash in and get sucked in Tornado, a six-story funnel of fun that drops riders from 75 feet in the air, banking back and forth down a 132-foot-long tunnel of wild and wet excitement. Riders will navigate the 5,000 gallons of water on specially-designed, 4-person cloverleaf shaped rafts, before toppling into a pool below. From a fast trip down one of the water slides such as Taboo Tower, Lightning Falls and Lost Temple Rapids to a lazy trip on The River Cruise, guests have many choices to cool off and have fun. Castaway Cove and ShipWreck Shores are specially designed to keep the little buccaneers amused with pint-sized water activities such as slides, waterfalls, hidden pirate treasures and friendly sea creatures.

The ominous-sounding Black Snake Summit area features five thrilling speed slides, including two of the tallest, fully enclosed twisting tube slides. The Forgotten Sea Wave Pool is an apt title for a pool that creates churning, sea-like waves at regular intervals. The park is open daily from mid-May to early September and weekends during May and September.

Mountasia Family Fun Center
Mountasia Fun Center is a 7-acre entertainment destination for kids of all ages. The center is home to the only mainland Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, go-karts, bumper boats, baseball and softball batting cages, a 20-foot rock-climbing wall, a video and redemption game arcade, and the only laser tag facility in the valley. Parents can sit back and relax while letting their children enjoy the many amenities this center has to offer. Mountasia also is a popular spot for birthday parties and corporate events. There is no entrance fee. For additional information, call 253-4386.

The Great Outdoors
Hiking, horseback riding, boating and fishing also can be found in the Santa Clarita Valley. You’ll find them in nearby recreation spots like Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, Castaic Lake Recreation Area, Lake Piru and Pyramid Lake. To the southeast in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood, Big Bear Lake and Wrightwood offer boating and fishing, plus skiing in the winter months.

Avid off-road enthusiasts will be pleased to know that California’s second-largest off-road vehicle area is nearby. Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area is a 19,000-acre off-road paradise that caters to motorcycles, four-wheel-drives and all-terrain vehicles. It’s located just 25 miles north in Gorman.

Beach lovers can take a quick, leisurely drive westward to romp on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world at places like Malibu, Santa Monica and Newport Beach. To the south are well-known destinations such as Universal City, Disneyland, the L.A. Zoo and the Queen Mary.

There’s much more to do in the Santa Clarita Valley than is listed in this chapter, so please refer to the “Visiting” and “Exploring” chapters, as well as the Calendar of Events, for more things to do and places to see.

Natural Parks
If communing with nature is on your leisure-time agenda, a good place to visit is one of the beautiful natural parks in the Santa Clarita Valley area. While there, you can do some hiking, have a picnic, explore, or maybe do some fishing. One of the best places in Southern California for outdoor photographers and moviemakers is Vasquez Rocks County Park. You will have to drive off the freeway a bit to get to the park. In the 19th century, Vasquez Rocks was the hiding place for a notorious outlaw named Tiburcio Vasquez, as well as a home for the Tataviam Indians. This 750-acre preserve has ample space for activities, with a variety of bike and horseback-riding trails. For rock-climbers, the steep, jagged rocks in the park offer plenty of adventurous opportunities. If you choose to take pictures, go at sunrise or sunset for the best light.

At Ed Davis Park, in Towsley Canyon off Interstate 5 at Pico Canyon, there are more recreational opportunities. Hikers and mountain bikers will love the trail system that winds through and around the park’s pristine mountain streams and natural woodlands.

A short drive on Bouquet Canyon Road takes you to the Angeles National Forest, offering multiple camping sites and streams that will entice the fisherman in you. Don’t forget to stop at the Ranger Station to get a day-use pass.
More picnic and hiking areas can be found at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center and Park, just off Highway 14 on Placerita Canyon Road. This is also where you’ll find the Oak of the Golden Dream, the tree under which the very first gold was discovered in California.

For those interested in gardening, the Castaic Lake Water Agency Conservatory Garden and Learning Center on Bouquet Canyon Road (above Central Park) offers self-guided tours of its seven-acre rose garden. The center offers monthly workshops that focus on things like gardening tips and how to raise healthy roses. See the Calendar for more information.

Neighborhood Parks
A number of municipal parks may also be found in the City of Santa Clarita, which has made the development of community parks a top priority. Residents can gather for community activities such as picnics, ball games and concerts. The city general plan is integrating the city’s natural forest reserves with recreational parks and trails for the enjoyment of generations of residents. The parks provide a variety of sports facilities such as baseball diamonds, football fields, swimming pools, soccer fields, volleyball courts, tennis courts, gymnastics equipment and dancing areas. The park staffs offer special-interest, self-improvement and sports-related classes. For adults there are classes in ceramics, arts and crafts, dancing, painting, jewelry making, cooking, writing, self-defense, swimming, tennis, hockey, skating, and health fitness. Many of these classes are also tailored for children. For information on activities, call the Santa Clarita Department of Parks & Recreation at 255-4910 to request a “Seasons” catalog. One of the newest and largest community parks is the 40-acre Central Park, which includes lighted sports fields, a fully lighted walkway and some 500 trees. The number of parks continues to grow, and more are planned.

As part of Valencia’s master plan, numerous hills and greenbelt areas were set aside and dedicated to remain natural and protected. Most Valencia neighborhoods have their own parks, as well as the extensive paseo system on which adults and children can stroll or jog, ride bicycles or skate safely away from motor vehicles. The paseos link parks, schools, shopping and dining. A number of events such as bike-a-thons and walk-a-thons that help raise money for local organizations use the paseos often.

Many communities feature their own recreation centers with tennis courts, swimming and wading pools, spas, cabanas, children’s play areas and clubhouses for parties and special events. They are most predominant in the neighborhoods of Valencia.

Lakes
The Santa Clarita Valley boasts one of California’s largest man-made lakes. Part of the State Water Project, Castaic Lake Recreation Area features a main lake for power boating and water-skiing, and a smaller lagoon for swimming and sailing. Located seven miles north of Magic Mountain, Castaic Lake is usually open sunrise to sunset. State budget difficulties have periodically threatened operations at Castaic Lake, so it is best to call ahead before making plans. Also part of the activities here are fishing, picnicking and boat rentals. Castaic Campground is located on the east side of the lake and features campsites suitable for both tent and RV campers. It’s a first-come, first-served facility, so it’s best to call ahead and make reservations. Reservations and information: 257-4050.

Pyramid Lake is located farther north off Interstate 5, adjacent to the Hungry Valley off-road area. The lake offers picnic facilities, boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Summer hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with all boats off the lake by 7 p.m. Aside from the standard picnic areas, the lake features five unique picnic areas that are accessible only by boat. The swimming beach is open only during the summer and is staffed by lifeguards. The marina has a general store, snack bar, bait and tackle shop, wet and dry boat storage and boat rental. Los Alamos Campground, about a mile west of the lake, has 93 campsites – several accessible to visitors with disabilities. For information call 257-2892 (lake) or 295-1245 (campground).

Lake Piru, located a short distance west off Highway 126 in the Los Padres National Forest, sits next to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. This foothill lake offers boating, trout and bass fishing, camping, water skiing, swimming and hiking. The day-use picnic area with individual and group sites includes covered eating areas with views of the lake, a grassy lawn, grills and an abundance of tables. The lake’s group facility can accommodate up to 120 people and can be reserved for special events. For campers, Lake Piru offers level tree-shaded camping sites, restrooms, free hot showers and a fully stocked store. Motor homes, trailers and truck campers are welcome. Lake Piru has paved roads, pull-through, tree-shaded sites, and dump stations. Information: 805/521-1500 (park) or 805/521-1231 (marina).

Sports
Sports activities in the Santa Clarita Valley are diverse and abundant, and you really don’t have to go far to participate or be a spectator. Most sports facilities are located at recreation centers, in parks or at local schools. Some notable additions to the local sporting world include the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex, located roughly behind Home Depot off Soledad Canyon Road, which features an aquatics center, gymnasium, skate and bike park; the Ice Station Valencia indoor skating facility; the Soccer Center on Soledad Canyon Road, and The Paseo Club, a new private tennis and aquatics facility. If professional sports are your pleasure, you can make the short drive to Los Angeles and watch the Lakers or the Clippers at the Staples Center, the Dodgers, the L.A. Kings or the L.A. Galaxy.

Baseball — All types of youth and adult baseball teams play on numerous diamonds at various parks in the area. Ardent baseball fans may like to attend the College of the Canyons Cougars or the Santa Clarita Spartans Baseball Club games. The Spartans are a local team composed of players under 18 from the Santa Clarita Valley and other nearby communities. And, the Hart baseball complex off Valencia Boulevard is an extremely popular place for youth baseball.

Hockey – Ice hockey arrived in the Santa Clarita Valley in an impressive way with the opening of Ice Station Valencia, a world-class skating and hockey complex. Located on Dickason Drive in Valencia, near Valencia High School. College of the Canyons also has an ice hockey team. Information: 259-7800.

Soccer — Many parks have fields dedicated to soccer, America’s fastest-growing sport for both children and adults.

Softball — Little League and Pony League are well-established organizations with programs throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Golf
Golfers will love the golf courses in and around the Santa Clarita Valley.

The newest is the Tournament Players Club in the Westridge development on the west side of Interstate 5 at Valencia Boulevard. It’s more popularly known as TPC at Valencia. Built by The Newhall Land & Farming Co. in partnership with the PGA Tour, TPC at Valencia is the focal point of Westridge, one of Valencia’s newest master-planned communities. The course is expected to meet the growing regional demand for PGA Tour-caliber golf and attract prestigious tournaments. Information about daily-fee play or membership opportunities is available by calling 288-1995.

Although it’s not quite a complete golf course, The Greens at Valencia sure is fun and unique. It’s a 27-hole putting course where one can practice his or her short game. The real-grass greens feature water hazards, sand bunkers and two island greens that resemble those one might encounter during professional play. A golf simulator, allowing golfers to play courses around the world, is also available. On the site is a full-service restaurant and sports bar. The Greens at Valencia is located at 26501 McBean Parkway. For information call 222-2900.

Vista Valencia is a public course located in a beautiful, park-like setting with rolling hills and plenty of mature trees. The mid-length, par-three golf course provides a night-lighted driving range, a PGA-staffed golf school and a Junior Golf Program. It also features a well-stocked golf shop, banquet facilities and bar, rental clubs and EZ-GO golf carts. The course is located at 24700 Trevino Drive. For information call 253-1870.

The private Valencia Country Club in recent years has begun hosting professional tournaments such as the Nissan Open and the SBC Classic. The 18-hole course is par 72 for gentlemen and 74 for ladies. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the course in 1965. If you can’t get on the course and want to experience it firsthand, watch for a number of shot-gun fundraising tournaments held throughout the year – and help out a worthy cause in the process.

The Santa Clarita Valley’s is also home to a 36-hole golf course in Robinson Ranch, located in exclusive Sand Canyon. This public course with a clubhouse is located seven miles north of the Interstate 5/Highway 14 split. From I-5 take the 14 north to Sand Canyon Road, head south on Sand Canyon and turn left on Robinson Ranch Road. For information call 252-7666.

A short drive south on Interstate 5 will bring you to another fairly new course, The Cascades Golf Course, featuring an 18-hole championship course, a full-service pro shop, driving range and practice facility, and banquet facilities. The course can be seen from I-5 at the northern tip of the San Fernando Valley. It’s located at 16325 Silver Oaks Drive in Sylmar. For information call 818/833-8900.

Knollwood Country Club in Granada Hills is another nearby alternative. The course is located at 12040 Balboa Boulevard. For information call 818/831-1366.

The Friendly Valley retirement community in Newhall also features a golf course, but it’s restricted to residents.

A short drive west off Highway 126 is Elkins Ranch Golf Course in Fillmore. The 18-hole course is nestled among scenic mountains and orange groves that entice golfers from around the state and country.

And, just north of the Santa Clarita Valley is a 70-par course at Lake Elizabeth Golf and Ranch Club. The course has a wonderful driving range, practice putting green, golf shop, banquet facilities and lessons.

Running
Runners will be interested to know that the Santa Clarita Marathon – rated as one of 100 best marathons in the country – is held every November. The 26.2-mile race uses streets, trails and paved paseos to guide runners through the city’s four main communities: Saugus, Newhall, Valencia and Canyon Country. It’s also a qualifying race for the famous Boston Marathon. Of course, this being Santa Clarita, there’s much more to this event than the marathon itself. Also part of the event are a 5K Run/Walk, a Half Marathon, the so-called Kid K for children and the Sports & Fitness Expo, usually held the day before the race.

For those who want to run but not compete, there are several courses around the valley. One of the more popular courses utilizes the gentle mountain slopes between Interstate 5 and the campus of College of the Canyons.

Skating & Skateboarding
The Santa Clarita Skate Park, located at the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex, is fully equipped with a 75-foot snake run, a double bowl, a keyhole, a low rail and a pyramid. Skateboarders and in-line skaters are welcome. The upper park is connected to the lower park by an access ramp that leads into a radium Q-pipe, spine slope, pyramid and wall ride. The facility is bordered by a chain-link fence that provides safe spectator viewing. Junior skate times (12 years and younger) on Saturday are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The facility opens at 7 a.m. and closes at dusk. Reservations are not required, but helmets and pads are required. Information: 284-1458.

Ice Station Valencia is a 92,000-square-foot complex that has everything a hockey fan or figure skater should need. The complex contains three rinks, a climate-controlled restaurant, spacious banquet facilities, an arcade, pro shop and a panoramic view of the valley. The regulation-size Olympic ice surface measures 200 by 100 feet, and the regulation-size NHL surface is 200 by 85 feet. The Pond is a 100 by 60 foot surface that’s ideal for a rousing game of broomball or a private party. Public ice skating sessions are offered seven days a week, and the center’s Skating Academy provides professional instruction in figure skating and hockey for all ages. The Zero Celcius pro shop carries a full line of hockey and figure-skating equipment, apparel and accessories. The Dance Academy offers top-notch instruction in ballet, tap, jazz and pilates. The Grill is the center’s climate-controlled restaurant where diners can enjoy a delicious meal while watching the rink activity below. Banquet and party rooms are available for special occasions or corporate meetings. Ice Station Valencia is located on Smyth Avenue near Valencia High School. Information: 775-8686.

Community Sports Complex
The George A. Caravalho Sports Complex, located at 20880 Centre Point Parkway, includes a 20,000-square-foot gymnasium adjacent to the skate park. The gym features two tournament basketball courts, volleyball, and locker and shower facilities, nets and balls. Also part of the complex are four racquetball courts and a challenge court with spectator seating for 20, as well as two regulation badminton courts, a teen center, a 200- to 300-person indoor arena, multipurpose rooms, a technology center and a public banquet hall. The Sports Complex is a hub of community recreation and activity.

Public Aquatics Center
The newest attraction at the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex is the Aquatics Center. It boasts three pools, including a 50-meter competition pool with a professional timing system, a 25-meter dive pool, and an activity pool complete with water play equipment and a 160-foot water slide. The recently completed $9 million facility also provides concession facilities and locker/changing rooms on its landscaped, lighted grounds. With plenty of parking and ample deck space for lounging, the Aquatic Center is sure to be a popular destination when the mercury starts to rise. Information: 250-3700.

Paintball
The Santa Clarita Valley has several paintball locations, including The Proving Grounds - Santa Clarita, billed as the West Coast’s premier indoor paintball arena. This unique facility offers 300 degrees of spectator viewing, Speedball/X Ball format play, 1-inch deep Astroturf, air bunkers and Nitro self-fill stations.

• The Proving Grounds
  21618 Golden Triangle Road
  Canyon Country 253-9600.

Outdoor paintball arenas include Close Encounters, located at 2400 The Old Road in Newhall, or Paintball USA, located on Soledad Canyon Road in Acton. Information: 253-4386.

Paintballers finally have a place where they can gather with friends for some old-fashioned war games and target practice.

Shooting Ranges
There are several locations throughout the Santa Clarita Valley where you can hone your shooting skills. A Place to Shoot is a rifle, pistol and shotgun range that caters to the family. It’s located at 33951 San Francisquito Canyon Road. Information: 296-5552. Then there’s Oak Tree Gun Club, a full-service gun club offering skeet shooting and other activities. It’s located at 23121 Coltrane Avenue in Newhall. Information: 259-7441.

Tennis
The Paseo Club is the Santa Clarita Valley’s first private, limited-membership, full-service tennis facility and clubhouse. The complex was created and designed with a hacienda country club setting in mind – but without the golf course. The club boasts a junior Olympic-size pool, locker rooms, playground, fitness center, cafe, basketball and volleyball courts, and a tennis center with 15 lighted courts, including a stadium court for tournaments. Also offered are summer camps, a day care, after-school activities, adult drill classes, private lessons, game matching, USTA teams, tennis socials and tournaments. The fitness center offers advanced strength and cardiovascular training equipment, personal training, group exercise classes, strength training, cardiovascular equipment, a free-weight area and nutritional guidance. The summer kids club offers activities such as ping-pong, foosball, pool tables, board games, movie nights, tennis programs, sport camps and junior swim programs. The pool is heated year-round and complemented by cabanas and gazebos in a family-friendly atmosphere. The Paseo Club is located at 27650 Dickason Drive in Valencia. Information: 257-0044.

Off-Roading
Off-road enthusiasts have the 19,000-acre off-road mecca of Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area just 25 miles north of the Santa Clarita Valley in Gorman. This is good news for off-roaders, because Hungry Valley and its thousands of acres of hills and valleys, grassland, coastal sage scrub and oak woodland make up California’s second-largest off-road vehicle area. Motorcyclists and four-wheelers, take note. This place boasts 130 miles of marked trails for all levels of off-highway vehicle operators, mountain bikers and hikers – from flat, level trails to steep and narrow. And, there are another 150 miles of National Forest off-road routes available. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit the park, which also has a four-wheel-drive obstacle course, an under-60-cc fenced junior rider area and a practice mini-track for beginning riders of ATVs and motorcycles up to 90cc. A motocross track attracts regular races. The park is open daily and located at 5301 Peace Valley Road, off the Gorman exit of Interstate 5. The park also has areas for camping, but, as one might imagine, this is not one of the quietest campgrounds. For information call 248-7007.

Trails
From the paved paseos of Valencia to the City of Santa Clarita’s impressive and ever-growing trail network, you should have no trouble finding a safe place to get your heart pumping with a jog, skate or bike ride. The city has more than 20 miles of picturesque trails designed for commuting and recreational use, including walking, riding, jogging and skating. The regional river trail serves as the backbone of the trail system. Together with connecting trails, residents can access parks, entertainment, shopping and employment centers by traversing this expansive network of trails. In late 2003, the city received $765,000 in grant money to purchase 92 acres for its planned Lost Canyon River Park, which will include a park with educational viewing areas and trailhead facilities that will provide public access to the Santa Clara River regional multi-use trail. The trail will eventually connect with the Pacific Crest Trail to the Coastal Trail in Ventura County. Meanwhile, the city’s existing trails include:

• Bouquet Canyon Trail: This one-mile trail runs from Newhall Ranch Road to Bouquet Canyon Road.
• Commuter Rail Trail: This six-mile trail runs east/west along Soledad Canyon Road from Camp Plenty Road to Golden Triangle. It has continuous entry and little traffic.
• Santa Clara River Trail: This six-mile trail runs east/west from Lost Canyon Road to Soledad Canyon Road.
• South Fork Trail: This three-mile bike trail connects with the paseos and the Santa Clara River Trail, running along the South Fork from Orchard Village Road to McBean Parkway.

There are several trailheads with ample parking. They are:

• Promenade Trailhead: Enter off McBean Parkway. The adjacent shopping center parking lot has spaces designated for trail users.
• South Fork Trailhead: Enter on the south side of Magic Mountain Parkway, between Valencia Boulevard and San Fernando Road, on the South Fork River west bank. Off-street parking for vehicles and horse trailers is available, as are picnic tables and a drinking fountain.
• Lost Canyon Road Trailhead: Enter on the south side of Soledad Canyon Road at Lost Canyon Road, then continue south under the freeway overpass to the trail entrance.
• Camp Plenty Road Trailhead: Enter on the south side of Soledad Canyon Road at the Camp Plenty Road traffic signal. Off-street parking is available. A drinking fountain is on the site.

The city asks that users of the trails follow some simple safety guidelines. They are:

• Wear an approved bicycle helmet when you ride. If you're under 18, it's the law.
• When using trails after dark, wear reflective clothing, and use a light and reflectors.
• Keep your bicycle in good condition. Check brakes, tires and handlebars every time you ride.
• Ride defensively, be alert, and watch for traffic and other trail users.
• Make sure your bicycle is not too big or small. You should be able to straddle your bicycle comfortably, with both feet touching flat on the ground.
• Ride single-file and only one person on a bicycle.
• Ride on the right side of the trail, follow lane markings, and use hand signals for turning, slowing, or stopping.

The trails are marked with classifications that designate their proper use. They are:

• CLASS I - Bike Path – Provides a completely separated right-of-way for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with cross-flow traffic minimized. The trails are marked and landscaped. Fencing encourages use of designated access points.
• CLASS II - Bike Lane – Provides a striped lane for one-way bike travel on a street or highway. Bike lanes are marked with signs and pavement striping.
• CLASS III - Bike Route – Provides for shared use with pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic. Bike routes are marked with signs.
• MULTI-USE – Located primarily in rural areas, these trails are unpaved and are available for equestrian, hiking and mountain bike use. Trails are marked with lodge-pole fencing.

Bike lockers are available at the Via Princessa, Santa Clarita and Jan Heidt Metrolink Stations. Call 294-2500 to reserve a locker.

Santa Clarita Community Center
The City of Santa Clarita Community Center positively impacts the community by providing enriching opportunities in a fun and safe environment. The Community Center is open to all ages (children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times). There are membership dues of $12 per year to participate in center programs. The center is located at 24406 San Fernando Road in Newhall. Information: 284-1476 (general) or 284-1477 (boxing). The center offers many services and activities, among them:

Boxing – Provided free of charge for those age 8 and older, boxing is led by experienced, qualified trainers. Equipment is provided free. Boxing is free for all participants under 18 years of age. For participants 18 and older, boxing dues are $20 per month.

Toy Library – Just like a regular library, but kids can check out games and toys instead of books.

Teen Group – Offers teens the opportunity to participate in fundraising, field trips, community service projects, and plan their own dances and events. The group offers many after-school sports activities and trips.

Ballet Folklorico – Offered by an experienced and talented instructor, this program provides youth the opportunity to learn the native dances of the various regions of Mexico, building cultural pride and individual confidence.

After-School Program – Runs September through May, offering homework help, arts and crafts, games, computer time and field trips.

Summer Program - Fun in the Sun! – This program runs June through August and provides young people ages 6 and up with activities such as arts and crafts, games, swimming and field trips. The program is free, and an open house is usually held in May.

Martial Arts – Yan Academy of Martial Arts has teamed up with the Community Center to provide low-cost karate lessons to low-income Santa Clarita youth. They offer a well-rounded program that teaches a variety of karate styles as well as “stranger danger,” self-discipline, character and respect for others. Cost of this program is based on ability to pay. To enroll, call the center at 284-1476.

Clubs and Organizations (PDF)
Go ahead. Share your interests and passions with like-minded souls. The many clubs and organizations of the Santa Clarita Valley are as varied as its people, running the gamut from craft enthusiasts to model builders to those who just want to make a difference in other people’s lives. Anyone with some spare time and the desire to share his or her interests or help others will likely find satisfaction with any one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s numerous clubs and organizations. Please refer to the list of clubs and organizations to get a feel for what’s available. As you can imagine, it’s a dynamic and ever-changing area, so pay attention to local media to learn about new groups, upcoming programs and events that might interest you. Nearly all non-profit organizations need volunteer help on a regular basis, so please consider investing your time in a worthwhile cause or one that’s particularly close to your heart. For one, the City of Santa Clarita operates a very active volunteer program. Everyone from students to seniors is involved in one form or another. Children age 6 to 11 can volunteer with a parent or guardian, youth from the age of 12 to 17 can participate in the city’s Volunteen Program and earn community service hours, learn new skills, help others and have fun, and adults and seniors are invited to share their skills and expertise. If you’d like to volunteer your time to the city, call 286-4165.

Santa Clarita Calendar Calendarof Events (PDF)