Insights on Developing Parks and Open Space in Sonoma County
Working on the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway Campaign for over a decade has broadened my appreciation of how much foresight, time, community support, and funding go into the many parks and open spaces that we enjoy here in Sonoma County. Every time I walk in a nearby Regional Park or open space, I think about how much effort must have gone into the acquisition, planning, development, and maintenance of that beautiful space – think of the beautiful views from the recently opened Jenner Headlands or the oak-studded trails in Sonoma Valley Regional Park. There are so many professionals, community members, government agencies, and donors to be grateful for.
In their summer newsletter, our Greenway Partner, the Sonoma Land Trust, has an excellent article about the many stages that are involved in a new park’s lifecycle. In it they highlight the Southeast Greenway, Petaluma River Park, and Sonoma Development Center, projects that are part of their strategic plan to expand access to new parks close to where people live.
By Linda Proulx – a founding member of the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway Campaign