The acquisition of the Southeast Greenway property follows 15-year effort
This news is the most significant step in a 15-year effort to transform the 2-mile stretch of land between Farmer’s Lane and Spring Lake park into a vibrant community resource.
“Everyone at the Southeast Greenway Campaign is truly thrilled to have reached this goal,” said campaign chair Thea Hensel. “The community has come forth with consistent donations, great ideas, and real enthusiasm for this project. It has all added up and here we are, finally adding beautiful open space and public land to be protected in perpetuity for all to enjoy.”
The California Transportation Commission formally approved selling the 49-acre state property to Santa Rosa in May for just over $1.8 million, the appraised market value, and the property had been in escrow since. The purchase was partially funded by a $1 million grant from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District and donations from community groups and individuals.
Santa Rosa and the project partners, which includes the Sonoma Land Trust, will now shift their focus to planning. “The greenway is a blank slate and we have the opportunity to make it what we want,” Hensel says. Community engagement will be an important part of the process, and the Southeast Greenway Campaign is committed to helping with that process. The Campaign will also continue to raise donations and seek additional sources of funding to help move the project forward.
“This is a historic moment for Santa Rosa and a testament to what we can achieve when our community comes together with a shared vision,” Mayor Natalie Rogers said in an announcement. “This land will become a vibrant green space where families can gather, children can play, and nature can thrive.”
