Petaluma River Park Launches Next Phase of Community-Led Design Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Petaluma River Park Launches Next Phase of Community-Led Design Program

Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma River Park Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization that works hand-in-hand with the community to create a new public park, is proud to announce the next phase of its innovative Community Park Designers (CPD) program. The CPD program is a cohort-based initiative designed to empower community members with direct decision-making power in shaping the future of Petaluma River Park. This program ensures that the park’s creation and sustainability align with the diverse vision of the community by prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility for all residents and visitors. 

The program also recognizes that historically, certain community members have been excluded from public space planning based on factors such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, economic status, age, mobility, or language. We believe this program will create sustainable frameworks and opportunities for community members to actively participate in shaping the River Park’s features, programs, and operations and to directly benefit Equity Priority Populations (EPPs) and the broader community by ensuring diverse voices are included in key decision-making processes.

The Role of Community Park Designers

As the River Park enters its next phase, "Build It!" in 2025, the CPD cohort will take on three key roles:

• Advising: Providing essential guidance to the design team through the Schematic Design phase around park character, feature alternatives, and phasing priorities.

• Activation: Producing events or programs on the River Park peninsula that offer community benefits, opportunities for cultural exchange, or spark regional interest and participation.

• Advocacy: Identifying barriers to access, inclusion, and equitable park usage while mobilizing community members to address these issues.

Program Goals and Impact

The CPD program aims to create long-term pathways for community members to influence park features, programs, and operations, particularly in ways that support Equity Priority Populations (EPPs). Success in this program will:

• Build leadership skills through civic engagement and collaboration.

• Foster a sense of community ownership and belonging.

• Inspire active community participation in park development.

• Inform and refine park design to meet diverse needs.

• Contribute to the lasting legacy of the Petaluma River Park.

Our Community Park Designers

The 2025 CPD cohort consists of 11 members, with 100% of positions dedicated to individuals from EPPs as identified in Petaluma River Park’s Community Needs Assessment. The CPDs will be paid a stipend for their one-year contract, including opportunities for transportation and childcare reimbursements.

This year, we are honored to welcome the following individuals into the Community Park Designer program:

• Emelina Minero (lead)

• Dalya Amador (lead)

• Faith

• Mauricio

• Estrella

• Ana Maria

• Ellyn

• Maria

• Tejpal

• Mario

• Carina

Join the Movement

The Petaluma River Park believes that only a park built by all can become a place for all. By engaging with diverse voices and fostering an inclusive decision-making process, the CPD program is a significant step toward ensuring that the River Park truly reflects and serves the entire community.

For more information about the Petaluma River Park Foundation or the Petaluma River Park project, please visit petalumariverpark.org.

About Petaluma River Park

Petaluma River Park is a rare riverfront parkland in the heart of downtown Petaluma. It comprises approximately 35 acres of undeveloped land over two sites: on the McNear Peninsula and directly across the McNear Channel at 500 Hopper Street. The peninsula property is now open to the public in its raw, spectacular setting, and portions of the Hopper site are anticipated to open for public use in several years. The park is owned and managed by the Petaluma River Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in 2019 with significant community support.

Together with the community, the Petaluma River Park Foundation is engaged in an inclusive and equitable planning process to achieve the many potential public and ecological benefits of this land. Learn more by visiting  www.petalumariverpark.org.