City officials join with Community leaders to honor the history and future of the Southeast Greenway.

It’s rare when a group of citizens form an activist group, garner support of City and County officials and raise funds from donors, foundations and tax dollars to buy land and turn it into a park. That’s the story of the Southeast Greenway.

After a 15 year volunteer effort, the property has finally been acquired by the City of Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks Department. This accomplishment was celebrated in early December with an event at Montgomery High school, hosted by the City, Sonoma Land Trust and the Southeast Greenway Campaign.

That evening the room was filled with excitement and good will, as speaker after speaker praised the future “parkland for the public in perpetuity” and the folks who supported that dream. So many of you have also made contributions through the years with your time, treasure, wisdom and encouragement. A debt of gratitude is owed  to each of you.

And now the fun begins… well, soon.  Before we can lay one brick down or set a park bench in place we need a plan. How does this vacant land become the ‘Central Park’ some envision?  With your help! It is called the Master Plan and you’ll hear lots about this in the coming months and years. In the meantime, hold this project in your hearts and minds as we navigate the next step. 

Read more about the event as chronicled in this Press Democrat article.

4 images in a grid showing Celebration at Montgomery High School

Photo credits to Grace Cheung-Schulman