Public Input Sought for Measure M Funded Park Projects

The Sonoma Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission (PROS) is calling for public comments on potential Measure M “Parks for All” funded park projects being considered in the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget.

PROS will consider two potential park projects at thier upcoming Special Meeting on Monday, April 22nd at 6:00 p.m. See the staff report, including the Agenda Item Summary, Project Summaries, and the PowerPoint presentation for more information.

The two projects include:

• Depot Park Enhancements: This project aims to enhance Depot Park by installing an exercise station to improve park usability and appeal. Read more.
• New Park at 5th St W & W MacArthur: Initial exploration of potential uses and design phase for a new park in the designated area to address community needs. Read more.

If recommended by the PROS, the identified project(s) will be presented to the Sonoma City Council for consideration during the budget process. Following Council approval, each project will undergo planning and public input processes to ensure alignment with community needs and priorities.

Submit your Public Comment in Writing or in Person

We invite you to share your thoughts and suggestions on these Measure M-funded projects by submitting public comments via the *online public comment form by going to our CivicWeb Portal and selecting the “Public Comment” button at the top of the page or attending the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission’s special meeting in person on April 22nd and speaking during the public comment period for this item.

About Measure M

In 2018, Sonoma County voters approved Measure M, also known as “Parks for All,” a one-eighth-cent sales tax aimed at supporting regional and city parks. This measure, backed by 72.6% of voters, generates an estimated $11.5 million annually, with $7.6 million allocated to Sonoma County Regional Parks and $3.8 million to the nine cities within the county over 10 years. The City of Sonoma, with just over 3% percent of the county-wide population was initially estimated to receive 118 thousand dollars annually.

Measure M funds allocated to the nine cities, including Sonoma, must be used exclusively for local park and recreation needs across seven categories, ensuring safe, clean, and accessible facilities, creating and expanding parks, supporting community programs, and addressing environmental concerns.

The City’s process for selecting projects funded by Measure M for the fiscal year 2024/2025 follows a five-step procedure, including park assessments, PROS ad hoc committee deliberations, project compilation, staff presentation to PROS at a public meeting, and recommendations to the City Council during the budget process.

Notable projects funded in 2023/2024 include improvements to Olsen Park, enhancement of Sonoma Valley Oaks Park, and fire mitigation efforts on the Sonoma Overlook Trail and Montini Open Space Preserve.