Program areas at Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation
Park Acquisition, Preservation, and Enhancement - The Parks Foundation contributes funds to support programs and activities in Sonoma County Regional Parks, including the following major projects in 2023-24:-Provided extensive funding to enable Regional Parks to complete reconstruction of Maxwell Farms Regional Park in Sonoma. The park now offers a baseball diamond, soccer and lacrosse field, bathrooms and EV chargers to serve youth and families from the Sonoma Valley and beyond.-Continued to support construction and maintenance of trails throughout Sonoma County Regional Parks, including new trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Preserve and enhancements at Foothill Regional Park.-Purchase of 100-Acre Ranch, a property that will expand Hood Mountain Regional Park & Preserve and create new linkages for wildlife connectivity and future extended hikes, bicycle rides and equestrian outings.-Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Spring Lake Regional Park, including a photo contest and equestrian picnic and ride. Funds raised during the year-long celebration go directly to improvements at Spring Lake Regional Park.- Regional Parks natural resources projects, including fire preparedness (vegetation management, creation of shaded fuel breaks, grazing to remove fire fuels) and protection of endangered plants and animals. The Parks Foundation particularly focused with Regional Parks on purchasing and installing bear-proof garbage and recycling receptacles to protect bears and park visitors.- Installation of amenities like benches and picnic tables at Regional Parks- Tools and equipment to help Regional Parks' staff more successfully do their jobs, with a particular emphasis on electric tools and vehicles such as electric ATVs to reduce parks carbon emissions.
Education Programs and Community Engagement - The Foundation supports a number of programs at Sonoma County Regional Parks, including the following major projects in 2023-24: - Training workshops for Regional Parks staff, including prescribed fire training, interpretive guide training, and kayaking instruction- Environmental education programs for underserved students and teens, such as the Youth Exploring Sonoma series, which invites teens from disadvantaged communities to enjoy outdoor recreation, engage in park stewardship, and benefit from leadership opportunities.- Regional Parks volunteer programs- The Water Safety Patrol, including purchasing hundreds of loaner life vests for use at the Russian River- Vamos a Nadar ("Let's Go Swimming"), a program that provides free swim lessons and water safety instruction for Spanish-speaking children and families- "Camperships" for underserved children to attend summer camps in Regional Parks- "Caminitos," a program that brings Spanish-speaking preschool-age children and their parents to a local park for a hike, healthy snack, storytime and crafts.