Petaluma River Park
For decades, a 35-acre industrial site on the McNear Peninsula in downtown Petaluma sat dormant. It was an abandoned peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Petaluma River. Today, that neglected spit of land is transforming into an ambitious public space: the Petaluma River Park.
In 2020, a community-led grassroots effort raised over $1 million to purchase the property, officially opening its gates as a “wild” urban park with a vision of combining art, nature, and community connection.
Today, visitors to the gently rolling grassland can follow a 1.4-mile loop path overlooking the river. Along the way, bilingual signage points out the flora and fauna of the area, and a 38-foot-tall sculpture titled “Huru,” created by internationally acclaimed artist Mark di Suvero, serves as a visual anchor to the place. It is an ideal spot for dog walks or a stroll with an eye to Petaluma’s industrial history: A quintessential urban park.
The park’s carefully created master plan envisions a vibrant cultural hub, featuring restored tidal marshes to support native habitats and local wildlife, a new playground, and multi-use courts for activities like pickleball.
Also in the works is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning the McNear Channel on one side of the park, linking the peninsula to the Hopper Street neighborhood. The bridge will also complete a critical missing link for the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Full construction is targeted for completion in 2029 with groundbreaking to commence in 2028. The park remains open daily from dawn to dusk for those who want to explore its raw beauty.
411
100 E D Street
Petaluma, CA 94952