Calabazas Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Planning Process

Before the property can open to the public as a regional park and preserve, Regional Parks must complete a master plan to guide the development of trails, recreational and educational uses, and stewardship of the natural resources. This process includes public outreach, including a survey, and extensive environmental review.

The Master Plan Process

A master plan creates a vision for development of infrastructure, recreational facilities, and other capital upgrades, natural and cultural resource protection measures, and overall management of the park. It also defines areas in a park for certain types and appropriate levels of public use. 

Public input is key to defining the community’s vision for an accessible park that provides equitable public access, protects and enhances sensitive habitat and manages fire risk. 

The master planning process will include extensive community engagement to evaluate opportunities and constraints, comment on master plan alternatives, select a preferred master plan, and prepare an environmental permitting document and resource management plan for the park.

Environmental Review

The master plan process includes environmental review in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The environmental document will identify, discuss, and include measures if needed to mitigate potential environmental effects associated with park implementation. The environmental analyses will evaluate potential environmental impacts such as:

  • aesthetics and visual resources

  • biological and water resources

  • archaeological, historic, and tribal cultural resources

  • transportation and public services

Regional Parks will solicit feedback and the website will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Project Timeline

Once environmental review is complete and the park’s master plan is approved by the Board of Supervisors, we’ll begin to develop precise plans for the approved project elements and apply for permits prior to beginning construction.

After construction is complete, we’ll open Calabazas Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve to the public.  While construction of some projects in the park may happen in phases, and based on available funding, it’s our priority to open this property to public access as soon as is safely possible, consistent with the Resource Management Plan and Conservation Easement.

To learn more and provide input, please contact Planner Emily Podolak  Emily.Podolak@sonoma-county.org.