Regional Parks presents first comprehensive Measure M annual report; board accepts the report

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on March 11 received a comprehensive annual report from Sonoma County Regional Parks detailing capital projects, habitat restoration and community programs funded through Measure M.

Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker and Deputy Director Melanie Parker presented highlights including Maxwell Farms Regional Park — the largest capital project in the agency’s history — new trails at Taylor Mountain, habitat restoration at Shiloh Ranch, Hood Mountain and Doran Beach, and expanded public‑safety and recreation programming.

Why it matters: Park leaders and city partners said Measure M funding has enabled repairs, new facilities and partnerships across the county, leveraging local dollars to secure matching grants and expand services to residents.

Key points from the report Melanie Parker described the document as the parks’ first comprehensive annual report for the organization, intended to tell a narrative about how revenue is leveraged and spent. Parker said the report includes an accessible breakdown of revenues and expenses and accompanying video and social media material.

Bert Whitaker highlighted completed and ongoing projects. “Maxwell Farms Regional Park… is the largest capital project we’ve taken on in our organization’s history,” he said, and staff reported strong community use. Staff also noted trail sections at Taylor Mountain that connect to denser neighborhoods, and large‑scale restoration and ecological work intended to improve biodiversity and reduce wildfire risk.

Public safety and programs Supervisors and community members highlighted public‑safety and youth programs. Chair Hopkins relayed data from the parks and lifeguarding report, noting lifeguard patrols recorded 4 rescues, 12 assists and 6,780 safety contacts; use of the life‑jacket program rose from 5,994 in 2021 to 28,714 in 2024.

Partnerships, oversight and language access Parker and Whitaker emphasized collaboration with the nine cities, Ag + Open Space, Sonoma Water and nonprofit partners and described weekly or monthly coordination meetings. Staff said they plan bilingual outreach and a bilingual one‑page summary of the annual report for community distribution.

Board action and vote A motion to receive the Parks for All Measure M report passed unanimously with the four supervisors present.

Community comment Multiple local elected officials and Measure M oversight committee members spoke in support of the parks and the report, including Cindy Bagley (Rohnert Park Community Services director) and several members of the Measure M citizens oversight committee, who praised leveraging of funds and cross‑jurisdictional collaboration.

Staff said next steps include distributing summaries and continuing to coordinate with the nine cities on projects and prospective renewals of local funding measures.