The trailhead to the Sonoma Overlook Trail is complete with a new kiosk, display panels and four stone benches. Joseph Lemas
On Saturday, April 26, a host of volunteers and city dignitaries turned out to celebrate the opening of the new trailhead entrance to the Sonoma Overlook Trail. The two-year project, involving the creation of a trailhead kiosk with four information panels, stone benches, bike racks and an area for parking, was an all-volunteer effort made possible through the labor and support of numerous individuals and local businesses and organizations.
Mayor Joanne Sanders said, “It’s a tribute to our roots here in Sonoma and what has gravitated people for centuries to this area. It’s a magical place.”
Without the efforts of strong citizen support back in 1999 – to prevent the development of 60 acres of that “magical place” into a plush hotel and resort – the trail and the happy group would not be there. Councilmember Ken Brown, a strong backer of the campaign to prevent the development and an active member of the current trailhead task force, said, “I’m pleased and glad that we’re now providing an educational and recreational element for everyone in the public to enjoy, in perpetuity.”
Joan Huguenard, who joined Saturday’s celebration said, “It’s a beautiful trail. Looks over the city. There’s a lower loop, and an upper loop, if you have enough energy to go the full way. There’s a docent. They know a good deal about the land and who occupied it before. What’s extremely noteworthy is that every bit of the labor and equipment was donated. The city spent not one penny.”
