It’s Your Park, Help Make it Happen!
Petaluma River Park is open daily for all to enjoy while we work to transform this rare space into a vibrant and healthy riverfront park. With support from the California State Coastal Conservancy, Petaluma River Park is being designed from the ground up with deep and meaningful engagement from surrounding communities.
Starting on July 24th and through the end of August, come see the hopes and dreams of the community represented in the draft plans and give input on the future Petaluma River Park at one of our Dreamscape Exhibits.
Tell us what you think
see the plans and take the survey
Our community has spoken and has clearly stated the amenities they want to see in the park. Our planners, CMG Landscape Architecture, have laid out these features and amenities in two arrangements, one called Bert and one called Ernie. Both have the same elements shown in different locations. You don’t need to choose one or the other. Instead, tell us what works about each of them. We're thrilled to share the plans with you and continue to refine them with your input this summer. The final plan with be a synthesis of the two plans, with your thoughts and comments taken into account.
You can view the plans here on this webpage or at the Dreamscapes Exhibit on display at Petaluma River Park Foundation Headquarters from July 24- August 31.
Read more about the planning process! The last few years were spent surveying the land and the community while we worked with experts to identify the possibilities for Petaluma River Park. After years of gathering community input, we took those findings and created the Spirit of the Park report–a booklet of information with a site analysis, that reviews our community engagement efforts.
Bert (above) highlights: Bert’s promenade extends from the peninsula side to the Hopper street side; the bridge is in the middle of both sides; parking on Hopper is central (off Hidalgo Street); performance space is an amphitheater with seating and open lawn. Click here to download BERT.
Ernie (above) highlights: Ernie’s promenade focuses on the McNear Channel side; the bridge is on the north end of Hopper Street side; parking and community center is along Hopper Street; performance space is multi-purpose pavilion. Click here to download ERNIE.
How we got here
The Spirit of the Park booklet is a summary of our years of community engagement and site analysis. At the center of this book are 12 guiding principles that create the Spirit of the Park. These standards will be our roadmap moving forward with the park development and design.
We’ve assembled an expert team to conduct the community outreach, planning, and design of the River Park’s master plan. We are honored to be working with equity-driven, community engagement experts Kimzin Creative, park-design masters, CMG Landscape Architects, and environmental scientists and designers Prunuske Chatham Inc. on this exciting project!
Click here to read more about our “Dream Team!”
Spirit of the Park
Click the left and right arrows to move through the Spirit of the Park book.
Read and download the Spirit of the Park in Spanish.
Read and download the Spirit of the Park in English.
Read more about the studies that shaped our work.
In-depth Research and Analysis
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.
Dream It
Phase 1: Sept. 2023 - Dec. 2024
We invite everyone to envision the future of the River Park while we assess the site’s condition and constraints and determine opportunities to revitalize the natural environment. Our park design team will then produce draft planning concepts for public review and community members will choose their preferred concept.
Build It
Phase 2: Jan. 2025 - Dec. 2027
With a final Concept Plan in hand, we will begin formal design, construction, and habitat restoration. We’ll estimate project costs, determine the types of materials to be used, select a general contractor, and launch a campaign to raise the funds needed.
Love It!
Phase 3: Jan. 2028 - June 2028
As the construction nears completion, we’ll celebrate with special events, then hold a public ribbon cutting to mark our achievements. Programs, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to support the park will continue into the future.