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New Community Open Space Projects Approved!
Yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting was a resounding success for, and by, our community.
Heading into the meeting, West County projects were recommended for $1.8M of funding. While that was a great start, it would have left two of the three projects without enough funding to complete construction. Fortunately, the board room was filled with community leaders from Graton, Occidental, and Guerneville, who spoke to the importance of the grassroots community projects we’ve been working on together for the past couple of years.
The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of $2.95 million in funding for three innovative West County projects under the Ag + Open Space Community Spaces Matching Grant Program. These fully-funded initiatives exemplify the incredible impact of community collaboration and vision:
Graton Town Square: A vacant lot in the heart of Graton will be revitalized into a vibrant town square, creating a welcoming space for gathering, connection, and celebration. (Note: the town square is already serving as a fantastic community gathering space even before improvements, with hundreds of locals packing the square for Graton Day and a holiday celebration.)
Russian River Community Park in Guerneville: This 3.8-acre park will provide essential recreational and community space while incorporating ecological restoration along Livereau Creek. Designed with seasonal flooding in mind, it promises to be both practical and beautiful.
Occidental Community Plaza: Occidental’s first public open space will transform an underutilized lot into a central plaza for gathering and connection, further enhancing the town’s charm.
These three projects are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community members, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations. Your contributions—from crafting thoughtful proposals to participating in engagement sessions and providing input at yesterday’s meeting—have made these projects possible. Thank you to the Graton Community Services District, the Occidental Community Council, West County Health Centers, West County Community Services, River to Coast Children’s Services, River Arts, the Russian River Chamber of Commerce, and the promotoras. Oh, and Ms. Frost’s amazing Guerneville Elementary class who helped us prioritize elements of the Russian River Community Park!
This is just the beginning of what will become vibrant community spaces reflecting the heart and spirit of West County. Thank you for your tireless efforts and commitment to improving our shared spaces for generations to come.
Here’s to a brighter, greener future for Graton, Guerneville, Occidental, and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as these exciting projects come to life!
-Lynda
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