New year, new park for Petaluma
The Petaluma River Park Foundation (PRPF) is building a 24-acre waterfront park in the heart of Petaluma—a park that meets our vital need for shared space that connects people, art and nature.
The group just received a $1.4 million planning grant from State Coastal Conservancy to support the community engagement, park design, and environmental compliance work critical to the next phase of the River Park’s development. (OK, it is $1,395,800, but let’s round up!)
The peninsula is open right now, with much more to come!
Located on the McNear Peninsula, within walking distance to Downtown Petaluma and adjacent to the central bus and SMART Train stations, the River Park was a barren lot, overcome with invasive species, lined by steep and failing riverbanks and closed to surrounding communities. In 2020, PRPF acquired the property after raising $1.3 million in private funds from over 400 community members. Today, Petaluma River Park is open to the public every day from dawn until dusk.
Enjoy the newly installed all-access loop trail, rest at one of the new picnic tables, or bring the children out to watch the rabbits run and the herons swoop up a fish a two.
While the park is open, it’s not nearly done yet! PRPF is working closely with many communities to co-create a final vision for Petaluma River Park and would love to hear from you. To learn more about visiting the River Park or getting involved with the project, please visit the website, and get in touch at petalumariverpark.org.
In partnership
More than 20 allied entities have joined PRPF as project partners, endorsers and funders and the project work plan leverages their volunteer, in-kind and partner resources. Petaluma River Park is a priority project of the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture. It is identified as one of 10 priority projects by the Petaluma Watershed Collaborative, a coalition of regional conservation organizations, including Point Blue Conservation Science, Sonoma Land Trust and Sonoma Resource Conservation District.
Let’s walk!
This park is so new. It doesn’t have an address yet. Enter at the intersection of D Street and Copeland St. Walk to or Park at Steamer Landing Park, follow the western (town-side) path and pass David Yearsley River Heritage barn (site of RiverTown Revival events). Remember to bring your own water, pack out your trash, and remember there’s no restroom yet.
On the first Saturday of every month, a guided group Walk & Talk starts at 9:30 a.m. Each month has a theme with notable guest speakers, activities or treats. Dates are:
- Jan. 7 - Día de Los Reyes
- Feb. 4 - Celebrating Black History
- Mar. 4 - The Petaluma Watershed
- Apr. 1 - Family Day
- May 6 - River cleanup with FOPR
- Junm 3 - Celebrating Pride
Details on the events are here. https://www.petalumariverpark.org/events
