Park Hall is a historic community gathering space in Ben Lomond that has quietly served the San Lorenzo Valley for generations. It is home to Mountain Community Theater (MCT), Little People’s Repertory Theatre (LPRT), and countless local productions by first-time and amateur playwrights, dance troupes, and performers of all ages.

On any given year, Park Hall hosts everything from pee-wee ballet recitals and youth theater, to social dance nights and the occasional Friday night line-dancing party, to Grandpa Fred’s 80th birthday, softball league season-end celebrations, community meetings, history talks, and wildfire safety briefings. It is a true multi-use space — creative, practical, celebratory, and deeply woven into local life.

Park Hall survived the CZU fires, but not without revealing evolving safety needs. As wildfire risk continues to impact Santa Cruz County, this grant will help fund the installation of a fire sprinkler system to protect this irreplaceable community resource and the people who use it.

This project is about preservation, access, and resilience — ensuring that Park Hall can continue to safely serve artists, families, elders, and community groups for years to come. A safer Park Hall means continued access to the arts, local gatherings, and shared experiences that strengthen community ties.