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Tag: Southeast Greenway

  • City Selects Master Plan Consultant

    City Selects Master Plan Consultant

    A Major Milestone in Bringing Santa Rosa’s Newest Park to Life!

    After months of anticipation, the Santa Rosa City Council has taken a major step forward for the Southeast Greenway. On June 16, 2026, the Council approved a contract with CMG Landscape Architecture to lead the master planning process for the nearly two-mile corridor connecting Farmers Lane to Spring Lake.

    This marks the official start of the next chapter for the Greenway: planning the transformation of 49 acres once slated for freeway expansion into a vibrant, welcoming public park in the heart of our city.

    CMG brings deep experience shaping public spaces across the Bay Area. The San Francisco-based firm led the landscape design for the Petaluma River Park project, which will become a destination park. They designed Mission Rock, the waterfront neighborhood near Oracle Park developed in partnership with the San Francisco Giants, and played a leading role in long-term planning for Crissy Field, one of the most visited and beloved parks in the region. Their portfolio also includes major civic and waterfront resilience projects throughout Northern California—work that should translate well to a community-defining space like the Southeast Greenway.

    According to the City of Santa Rosa’s announcement, community outreach will begin soon, giving residents a chance to help shape a shared vision for the park. Input gathered from participants will inform a draft master plan, expected to be ready for public review in spring or summer 2027.

    This is wonderful news, and a strong signal that real progress is finally underway. As outreach plans take shape over the coming weeks, we’ll be right here to help spread the word.

    Stay connected with us for upcoming opportunities to get involved and make your voice heard as planning begins.

  • Child in the Wild Returns!

    Child in the Wild Returns!

    Joy, Sunshine, and Another Lucky Bicycle Winner

    Families gathered once again at Howarth Park for Child in the Wild, the annual community celebration of the Southeast Greenway hosted by Sonoma Land Trust. The May 31st event brought music, dance, and cultural performances to a sunny afternoon at the lower lawn, with returning favorites like the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén, and Danza Xantotl, alongside bounce houses, face painting, and nature activities for kids of all ages.

    Volunteers at the Southeast Greenway booth connected with dozens of families throughout the day, sharing updates on the Greenway’s progress and pointing out neighborhoods near the park property on the community map. One first-time volunteer described the afternoon as a true celebration of everything wonderful about Sonoma County’s parks and the Greenway project, especially watching kids picture themselves winning a new bike.

    Dragon dancers entertain families at Child in the Wild   Children coloring at the Southeast Greenway tent at Child in the Wild

    That bike, generously donated again this year by Trek Bikes of Santa Rosa, went home with five-year-old Evie, who had just graduated from training wheels days before. Trek store manager Matthew helped her pick out the perfect ride—fitting timing, since the giveaway landed on her last day of school. Evie’s excitement was a reminder of why this giveaway has become such a beloved part of the day; past winners have kept right on riding, often years later.

       Girl sitting on bicycle that she won at a raffle at Child in the Wild

    We’re grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the Greenway, and to our partners and volunteers who help make Child in the Wild possible every year.  Special thanks to the donors and sponsors behind this event: Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation, Bancroft Foundation, Maria Cardamone and Paul Matthews, Saba Foundation, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, the City of Santa Rosa, and Recology.

       Child getting face painted

  • City Issues RFP for Master Plan

    City Issues RFP for Master Plan

    The Southeast Greenway Moves From Vision to Planning

    We’re excited to share a major milestone in the journey of the Southeast Greenway: the City of Santa Rosa has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consulting team to develop the park’s Master Plan. This is a big step forward in shaping the future of this 2-mile urban greenway that will connect Farmers Lane to Spring Lake and serve as a key corridor for walking, biking, nature, and community life in our city. 

    What is an RFP?

    An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is how a public agency like the City asks qualified consulting firms to submit ideas and plans for a project — in this case, the Greenway’s Master Plan. It’s the first key step toward choosing a team that will help guide how the park will be designed and developed over time. 

    What will the Master Plan do?

    A Master Plan is a big-picture roadmap: it will gather community input, describe priorities for trails, open space, habitat restoration, and amenities, and recommend how the Greenway can support safe, active transportation and welcoming public space for all. It will help guide the many decisions that come next — from how paths are aligned to where picnic spots or gardens might go — while balancing access, recreation, ecological restoration, and long-term sustainability. 

    How will the Community be Involved?

    Responses to the RFP are due to the City by February 19, 2026. Consultant interviews are anticipated in March, with contract approval by the Santa Rosa City Council in May 2026. Provided there are no major delays in the consultant selection process, community outreach and engagement to inform the plan is expected to begin in July 2026 and continue through the spring of 2027.

    This marks the start of an exciting phase where community voices will help shape the Greenway’s future. We expect this planning process to unfold over the next couple of years, and we will share ways for everyone to get involved as they arise. Stay tuned!

    Photo: City prepares for Master Plan by marking property boundaries along the Southeast Greenway.