If you haven’t already jumped on board with Petaluma River Park's goal to create an inclusive and vibrant outdoor place that enriches the lives of everyone in our community and revitalizes our river habitat, now’s the time.
The group is in the process of purchasing 20 acres of wild waterfront property on the McNear Peninsula, surrounded by the Petaluma River. This is an extremely rare piece of open land in downtown Petaluma that a large group of dynamic community members believe should be preserved and enjoyed by the public as a park.
The park site inhabits the bulk of the Peninsula along the Petaluma River, just off D Street through Haystack Landing. The acreage is adjacent to the land where the Friends of the Petaluma River has its headquarters.
“Petaluma River Park is close by the SMART train station and bus stops and is within easy walking/cycling distance of downtown,” says Timo Rivetti, who is brokering the land sale and would like nothing more than to see this dream become a reality for the entire community.
“It’s a brilliant use of historic land,” he adds. “I think we all agree that we need more park space in Petaluma and this is a natural. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime central city game changer for our community.”
Here’s what it will look like after the sale goes through and infrastructure is in place:
North West Site
Most people will enter and exit the park from the west side with informational kiosks and way-finding signage to greet visitors. Oak, Willow, and Bay trees will provide shade and section of an area for sculpture and picnics.
North East Site
An outdoor amphitheater and sculpture site make use of the rise in the landscape. Native Oak, Willow, and Bay trees will provide shade and habitat. The ridge trail in the background gently elevates the visitor to the highest part of the property for full views of the river and park. This will likely be a good spot for a small craft dock to be built during the restoration phase.
South East Site
The tip of the park will include Huru, a sculpture by Mark di Suvero on long term loan from a local family. This area is significantly eroded and needs restoration most urgently. Long views are preserved here and much of the field will remain unobstructed to allow for picnics and informal field games. This area would be the perfect spot for a small fishing dock.
Petaluma River Park Foundation’s first and most urgent goal is to buy this land and ensure that it remains a publicly-accessible open space. A generous and forward-thinking (anonymous) donor has provided the funds necessary to make a down payment and launch the park initiative, but more funds are needed to complete the deal.
In 2019, the foundation entered escrow to purchase the property. Two-thirds of the immediate goal of $1.08 Million needed to conclude the purchase and all entitlement work has already been raised.
Now, the remainder of a $5 million-dollar budget must be secured for restoration and building to begin.
Park advocates, Ginnie & Peter Haas have bolstered efforts by presenting a challenge grant of $175,000 to help the group meet its first goal of buying the land.
Please join our community in helping this extraordinary vision to become a reality. Learn more about how you can help or contribute here.
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