Tranquility of Shollenberger Park to be Protected After All

 

Bill runs Shollenberger Park at dusk in training for his marathon, mountainous bike rides with Petaluma pals, track star Alexi trains in the off-season on the gravel path circling the park, Karen takes a few laps each day as her regular keep-fit routine.

Grandparents stroll with toddlers, bird-watchers walk with binoculars at the ready, nature lovers pause for the millionth observation of the beauty of the natural world up close. Summer vacationing school kids ride mountain bikes, empty nesters walk arm-in-arm and moms find the park the perfect safe haven for a healthy outing with their young.

Now that three of our Sonoma County Supervisers have declared that they will not be supporting the highly controversial construction of Dutra's asphalt plant across the river from the park, it looks like a safe bet that Shollenberger will remain spared of the sights, sounds and long-term effects of health and noise issues impacting the other-wise peaceful haven of wetland life.

A five-hour hearing yesterday (Tuesday, June 9th) brought to a head months of mass campaigning in our community on both sides of the fence. The board of supervisors postponed its final vote on the plant until July 21st, but given the fact that two additional members have withdrawn their support for the project, the next move for Dutra will most probably be to find an alternative location.

With such unprecedented passion and public outpour in Petaluma in opposition to the plant, Shollenberger Park should be enjoying a popularity boom. Been there lately? If not, now's the time to take a walk, ride or run and fully appreciate this protected area.

Thanks to Petaluma Wetlands Alliance for the continued use of these fantastic photos shot at Shollenberger Park. I'll be writing about the Wetland Alliance's excellent Third Grade School Program funded by PEF sometime in August.

Comments

[Anastasia Schuster]

And lets not forget the beautiful view those of us who paddle on the river (Nate & I are members of Lokahi Outrigger Canoe Club) have of Shollenberger park and the wildlife that exists because of this protected area.

Hats off to Supervisors Carrillo, Brown & Zane for putting the needs (and desires) of the people and wildlife of Petaluma at the top of their list when placing their "no" votes to the Dutra asphalt plant. :-)

[Donna Deal]

cool article!! Your produce looks better every time I see them. Can't wait to see the farm again. Especially the summer crop.