Exploring the evolving vision for El Chorro Regional Park, from golf cars to zip lines.
In 2019, San Luis Obispo County Parks envisioned an exciting future for El Chorro Regional Park, featuring a go-cart race track, a Toptracer driving range, and a mini golf course. While the driving range successfully opened its doors in 2021, the fate of the go-carts and mini golf has taken a turn. Current plans now showcase zip lines, upscale cabins, and a bike track as the new attractions poised to redefine this 720-acre park, according to The Tribune News.
Strategically located along Highway 1, across from Cuesta College, El Chorro Regional Park already boasts a diverse range of recreational offerings, including softball fields, a dog park, hiking trails, campgrounds, the Dairy Creek Golf Course, and the SLO Botanical Garden.
The envisioned enhancements, however, have seen a shift. The initial go-cart race track and mini golf course have been put on hold, making way for an ambitious redesign of the park’s entrance. This redesign aims to guide visitors deeper into the park, ensuring they are aware of all the attractions available, including the now operational Toptracer driving range.
In 2021, the county introduced the Swing Time driving range, equipped with Toptracer technology, providing players with a unique experience to track their shots and analyze swing performance data. According to County Parks director Tanya Richardson, the driving range has proven to be financially successful, generating approximately $755,000 per year—more than enough to cover the annual debt service of $434,498.
The success of the driving range prompted a redirection of funds originally designated for the mini golf and go-cart project. The county chose to invest in a bike course and the realignment of El Chorro Park Road instead. County Parks assistant director Shaun Cooper explained that if additional funding becomes available, the county remains open to revisiting the go-cart and mini golf project.
Currently lacking a distinct entry point, El Chorro Regional Park aims to address this by guiding visitors toward the clubhouse as the main focal entry point. In addition to these changes, the county has plans to introduce “high-end cabins” and zip-lining to the park, both slated for completion by the next summer.
As El Chorro Regional Park undergoes this transformative journey, the community eagerly anticipates a future that blends recreational diversity with the natural beauty of the park.
