On June 2, Andy’s Unity Park officially opened in southwest Santa Rosa. A project of Sonoma County Regional Parks with input from the surrounding neighborhood, the 4.4 acre park was built on a formerly vacant lot at Moorland Ave., adjacent to the spot where 13-year-old Andy Lopez was shot and killed by a Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy in 2013. A day of celebration and mourning, the event featured a dedication ceremony, Aztec dancers, skateboard demos, yoga, tours of LandPath’s new community garden, and a free buffet by Elaine Bell Catering—donated by Graton Resort & Casino. Despite the high heat, it was a successful day of community bonding over food, stories, art, and play. Made Local Magazine’s editor Leilani Clark was there to capture it in photos.
parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Andys-Unity-Park
