FPOA Reservation Procedures

Observing Sites: Telescope Pads and Lower Area

Objective: To provide FPOA members with a method of securing quality observing areas and provide the San Juan Bautista Park District with information of Park usage for astronomy.

Requirements for reserving an observing site:
  1. Be an FPOA member in good standing, with Observer-level membership
  2. Have read and signed the FPOA liability wavier
  3. Agree to read and follow relevant site usage rules
Procedure for reserving an observing site:
  • Contact the FPOA scheduler at least 48 hours in advance, but not more than two (2) weeks in advance with the following information:
    1. Member name,
    2. Requested date,
    3. Estimated arrival time,
    4. Estimated departure time (No later than late morning),
    5. Number in party (up to 10),
    6. Vehicle type and License number, and
    7. Requested observing site.
  • The FPOA scheduler will inform requester of approval of request and provide Gate combination.
Telescopes on observing pads
Important notes:
  • One vehicle, telescope and observing site are allowed per member. Guests of member driving other vehicles will park in approved parking areas outside gate. State Park Day use fees for all vehicles are required.

  • Camping is not permitted in the FPOA Area

  • If this is a public night then arrive no later than nautical twilight if you intend to set up on the pads
  • Contact information for the FPOA scheduler is available on the Private FPOA resources page; access will be granted once you join FPOA.
  • FPOA reserves the right to suspend the observing privileges of any member who misuses the area.

The 30-inch Challenger Telescope

Objective: FPOA is a non-profit educational organization with the specific purpose of providing interpretive astronomy programs under contract to the California State Park System. It is neither an astronomy club in the traditional sense, nor a telescope rental facility. As part of the continuing education that makes our public programs possible, observer members who volunteer at our public programs can receive training on the 30-inch Challenger Telescope and then gain experience with it on non-public program nights.

Requirements for reserving the Challenger Telescope:
  1. Be an FPOA member in good standing, with Observer-level membership
  2. Service requirement: Have assisted in a minimum of one (1) Public Program in the last year. The night of training does not count as a Public Service night.
  3. Currently on the List of Certified Telescope Users
  4. Agree to read and follow relevant site usage rules
Procedure for reserving the Challenger Telescope:
  • Contact the FPOA scheduler at least 48 hours in advance, but not more than 60 days in advance with the following information:
    • Member name,
    • Requested date,
    • Estimated arrival time,
    • Departure Time,
    • Number in party (up to 10),
    • Vehicle type and License number, and
    • Reason for reservation.
  • The FPOA scheduler will inform requester of approval of request and provide Gate and Observatory Lock Box combinations.
The 30-inch Challenger Telescope
Important notes:
  • One vehicle, telescope and observing site are allowed per member. If a member invites guests that arrive in other vehicles, those vehicles must park in approved parking areas outside gate. State Park Day use fees for all vehicles are required.
  • Contact information for the FPOA scheduler is available on the Private FPOA resources page; access will be granted once you join FPOA.
  • FPOA reserves the right to suspend the observing privileges of any member who misuses the area.
Procedure last revised 8/3/2022