Protect Maxwell Farms Park

Editor: I have walked in Maxwell Farms Regional Park with and without a dog for more than 25 years. I enjoy walking in the natural areas and down to Sonoma Creek. I watch birds and get some light exercise on the rustic trails among the bay laurels and plum trees gone wild. It is a quiet place in the midst of an active community.

Recently I attended the public workshop about the future of Maxwell Farms Regional Park. The May 1995 Resources Management Plan is out of date and needs review and revision to reflect changes in the park. With Supervisor Susan Gorin’s leadership, the county parks department is now seeking public input to update the plan.

The balance between undeveloped natural areas and developed recreation is what makes Maxwell Farms so special.

Sonoma Creek runs through the natural two-thirds of the park that is legally protected by a conservation easement. It prevents development other than small-scale farming or “homecraft” activities as defined by the Maxwell family, who once lived on the land. These protections are why we sometimes still see salmon and beaver in the creek and spot red-shouldered hawks and owls roosting in the tall bay and oak trees.

The park’s upper third has been maximized for recreation and youth, including the Boys and Girls Club, skate park, playground, playing fields, picnic tables and tennis courts. Any additional recreation should be contained within the developed area.

It’s a public process, so please share your views and tell others so we can work together on a community vision for Maxwell Farms Regional Park. You can fill out an online survey at parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov, search for Maxwell Park.

Teri Shore
Sonoma