A Message from our Executive Director

Dear Friends, Family, Supporters, and Newcomers to the River Park, 

I’m writing to you from the new Petaluma River Park Foundation headquarters at the Foundry Wharf. Whenever I need inspiration for the work of standing up an effort to co-create a park for all, I need only lift my eyes above my computer screen to gaze through our open sliding glass doors, over the river, and onto the park. There I see the moms walk with strollers, the birders spy with binoculars, and the bikers ride with baskets along the Park’s new accessible trail. They are experiencing Petaluma as few had done before November 2020, when we acquired the land. They are feeling the cool afternoon breeze, looking over the busy-ness of the town, while catching glimpses of the jackrabbits, egrets, and butterflies–all from these quiet 24 acres that hide in plain sight.

None of us can imagine right now exactly what Petaluma River Park will be and how it will transform the way we build community. But we do know it will be a central gathering place where people, art, and nature come together to inspire and connect us. It is already becoming that place. And you are a big reason for that. Your support and enthusiasm for this project has gotten us to where we are now, in short order, and the future is upon us. 

We’re writing to celebrate with you all what we’ve accomplished together so far. Like the soaring brief of American White Pelicans who fly high above the Park, I invite you to take a birds-eye view on this project, and continue to dream with me what is to become. 

In gratitude,

Seair Lorentz, Executive Director