Santa Rosa's dream of a 'Central Park' is closer to reality after a landmark deal that hands over a swath of green space to the city. Santa Rosa city officials and the California Transportation Commission (CTC) clinched the deal that transfers 49 acres of the Southeast Greenway property to Santa Rosa this week. This move fully commits the land to the public in perpetuity.
"Acquiring the 48 acres of Southeast Greenway is an incredible community accomplishment, and I want to recognize the commitment, teamwork, and coordination among agencies and individuals that made this happen," Santa Rosa City Manager Maraskeshia Smith told Santa Rosa City's news release, Caltrans has agreed to hold onto the remaining nine acres for housing development, creating a balance between preserved greenery and needed residential expansion.
Sonoma Land Trust, a key player in the preservation push, hailed the acquisition and expressed commitment to an equitable park planning process, "This is a wonderful win-win for the community and for nature! We are grateful to Caltrans and the City of Santa Rosa for dedicating this land for Santa Rosa’s next park," Sonoma Land Trust Executive Director Eamon O’Byrne commented via the city news, highlighting the joint effort for a space that boosts climate resilience and offers recreational opportunities.
Decades of advocacy and planning by the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway Campaign have led to the transformation of land once earmarked for a freeway extension into an urban oasis connected to local parks and trail networks. As the parks and lands intertwine, visitors will find themselves treading paths from Spring Lake Regional Park to the more urban Joe Rodota Trail, creating a substantial ribbon of greenery throughout the city.
Financial backing for the Greenway came from a cocktail of grants and private donations, with Sonoma County Ag + Open Space stepping up with a hefty million-dollar contribution, "Our Community Spaces Matching Grant Program is intended to do exactly this type of work – bring open space into the heart of our cities and towns," said Ag + Open Space General Manager Misti Arias, noting the program's alignment with such community-driven conservation objectives.
Looking forward, Santa Rosa's Recreation and Parks Department is gearing up to lead a comprehensive Park Master Planning Process, inviting the citizens to voice their vision for the Southeast Greenway's future, according to the city’s announcement, a public celebration announcing the acquisition is soon to follow, marking a new chapter for Santa Rosa’s community green spaces.
