Springs Splash by Thomas Martin - August 2017
Maxwell Park
In mid-July a fourth community review meeting was held regarding the County’s plans for changes at Maxwell Park.
Information and viewpoints were varied and a synopsis follows... Pickleball courts – super... Free parking for events and pickleball is needed... Is the picnic area too small... The plan will be subject to environmental review for aesthetics, biological resources, and possible tribal/cultural antiquities... Trails to have aggregate and be ADA accessible... New terrace seating at the baseball diamond, and restrooms, great... The Park extends across Verano Avenue. Didn’t know that, should overnight parking in front of FAHA be limited... Speaking of parking I’m impressed with the addition of 134 parking spaces and another 50 nearby... Improved pathway access from the Verano Sonoma Creek Bridge, that’s a safety factor... Volleyball courts, soccer field with concessions, a bicycle pump track and restrooms, solid improvements... Will new tennis court lighting be solar powered... Are we adding lighting for the skate park... New off leash dog park by the Verano Trail, arf arf... Easier access to Boys and Girls Club, great... The entry kiosk will still collect parking fees, not certain this is good... Buy an annual County Regional Parks ticket for all parks, $65... What’s happening out in all the backlot area... I hike so I see the natural surface trails... Will the area by Sonoma Creek be cleaned up... All the good people living west of Sonoma Creek and Riverside Drive will still have to walk or drive to the market since there’s no plan for a bridge across the Creek... Outdoor equipment to keep one fit, that’s healthy... Sonoma Creek is a major community asset, the new access points are good, do we need more... On site Ranger residence will help with safety... The Three Meadow and Back Meadow bikepaths and walking trails will hopefully tie into the Sonoma bikepath... Non-native plants in restoration areas to be removed... How will the new swim emporium ironically named, “Springs Splash,” (byline) fit into this new recreational network... Anyone wanting more information or wishes to offer ideas to County personnel, contact Scott Wilkinson, Park Planner, at 707-565-2734 or e-mail sonomacountyparks.org...
Other... Empty buildings in the Springs
The future of SMI’s Big Three building remains undisclosed on this important corner of Hwy 12 and Boyes Blvd... What is to happen to the empty boarded grass bound building across from Mary’s Restaurant at 18625 Sonoma Highway that years ago was formerly La Salette before they moved downtown... Anyone taking wagers about when the new white two-story office/live in next to Danish and Donuts will find renters... What is to become of the empty storefront at 18332 Hwy 12 that formerly was painted as a tropical island... Down the street we are promised a new “Hamburger Palace” in the fall... On the horizon,Old Uncle Patty’s to begin its renovation and become a super Pizza House and the former Lanning property across from the P.O. and Armando’s is destined to become a noodle house run by the Fig people...
What’s happening?
There’s a lot happening in the Springs and people and events should be publicized. Has anyone thought of producing a newsletter or small paper devoted to the news and citizens along Hwy 12? It’s an interesting thought.
Be involved
Activities for your calendar. Check the paper for time and locations.
August 5 – Docent Training, Sonoma State Parks
August 17 – Springs Community Alliance, 7–8:30 p.m., La Luz Bilingual Center
August 28 – Sonoma Valley Democrats Picnic – All Welcome – Maxwell Park
