Paradise Park

Gazing up at the California sky, have you ever imagined a town named Paradise? We’re at Paradise Park, a unique census-designated place nestled in Santa Cruz County. Paradise Park isn’t just a name. It’s a community with a vibrant history. The 2020 census tallied 550 residents in Paradise Park, quite a jump from the 389 counted in 2010. Paradise Park is tucked away, separated from the hustle and bustle of the University of California, Santa Cruz by Pogonip Park and Highway 9. This secluded location gives Paradise Park its distinct charm. Within Paradise Park stands a remarkable piece of history: the 1872 California Powder Works Bridge. This covered bridge is a testament to ingenuity, a well-preserved example of a wooden Smith truss bridge. Before Paradise Park became a tranquil residential area, it housed the California Powder Works, established in 1861. The Civil War disrupted explosive supplies from the east, creating a need for local production. This factory harnessed the power of the San Lorenzo River. A system of flumes from a dam, located in what is now Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, channeled the water to power the works. The Powder Works produced black powder, dynamite, and smokeless powder for both civilian and military purposes. A tragic explosion on April 26, 1898, forever changed Paradise Park. The blast claimed 13 lives and injured 25 others, leading to the abandonment of on-site housing and a public school. This incident understandably soured public opinion on having an explosives factory so close to Santa Cruz. By 1914, with the opening of the Panama Canal facilitating easier shipment of powder from the East Coast, the Powder Works was abandoned. In 1924, the landscape of Paradise Park shifted again. The decaying buildings of the Powder Works were demolished. The 138-acre property was sold to a group of Freemasons from Fresno. They envisioned a summer retreat and laid out streets with names reflecting Masonic traditions. To this day, the Paradise Park Masonic Club maintains its presence in the area, with homes owned by members. Paradise Park has faced its share of challenges. In August 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex fires forced an evacuation order for the community. Through it all, Paradise Park has endured, a testament to resilience. This quiet community, tucked away near Santa Cruz, holds a history far more explosive than its name suggests.