Co-creating a Park for All

Thoughts from PRPF Board Member, Ana Cordova Belik

Everyone belongs at Petaluma River Park. More than 400 community members came together to purchase these beautiful 24-acres on McNear Peninsula, and almost 200 more people joined in to install the new loop trail this year. Together, we are turning Petaluma River Park into a vibrant, welcoming shared space that fosters a love of nature, sparks creativity, and unifies our community for generations to come.

“From the first time I heard about the project, I was hooked,” said Ana Cordova Belik, Petaluma River Park Foundation board member and family mentor at Petaluma Family Resource Center. “We’re getting to know people, finding out what they want to see at the Park, and we’re strengthening relationships along the way.” 

Having installed an accessible mile-long loop trail, people are starting to make the River Park part of their regular routine. Park volunteers are tabling at community events where people share their thoughts, and every first Saturday of the month, we lead visitors around the land, talk about progress to date, answer questions, and listen to the new ideas that bubble up. 

What are we hearing? Some suggestions include trees (hundreds of them!), shade structures, community gardens, an amphitheater, fishing docks, kayak launches, a playground, sculpture, and more. This is just the beginning of our listening and we look forward to hearing all of what people would like to see under the umbrella of our mission to meet our vital need for shared space that connects people, art, and nature.  

“As a visual person, I love that we’re bringing art together with nature,” Ana said. “We all need a quiet space to feel centered and grounded, to think and be inspired.”

The State Coastal Conservancy has invited the Petaluma River Park Foundation to submit a grant proposal to fund an inclusive planning process, as well as the permitting to get us to a place where we are ready to build. They are especially interested because of the high level of community support the River Park project enjoys. 

“My experience on the Board has been very exciting. We have a commitment to hear many voices and make sure all members of our community are part of the process. This truly is a place for everyone.”

“As a visual person, I love that we’re bringing art together with nature. We all need a quiet space to feel centered and grounded, to think and be inspired.”

— ANA CORDOVA BELIK, PRPF BOARD MEMBER