Tolay Lake Regional Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Tolay Lake Regional Park?

A. Tolay Lake (formerly the Cardoza Ranch) is the newest acquisition to the Sonoma County Regional Park system, which consists of 1,737 acres of farm and grasslands, ridges, a freshwater lake, ponds, wetlands, and many other natural resources. The park also contains a wealth of cultural and historical resources, with human activity on the property known to span for more than 8,000 years.

Q. Will the pumpkin patch and festival continue?

A. Pumpkins will no longer be grown in the lakebed due to sensitive cultural and natural resources, however the pumpkin festival will continue in the form of a “Tolay Lake Fall Festival” featuring pumpkin sales, hay wagon rides and kids activities planned for October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 29.

Q. When will the park be open?

A. The timeline for development is still in the preliminary phases of discussion and planning. Pending water rights issues, environmental, archeological and cultural studies (to name just a few), the general schedule for interim access to the public will be the summer of 2007, with full access occurring in 2009.

Q. Will the public be allowed to visit the park before it opens?

A. The Sonoma County Regional Parks Department has offered docent-guided tours since the beginning of 2006 and will continue to do so after the Tolay Lake Fall Festival. The public is welcome to join an upcoming tour by calling Nora at the Special Events Hotline: 707.565.2730 or by visiting www.sonoma-county.org/parks

Q. What are the next steps in developing the park?

A. The Sonoma County Regional Parks Department invites all interested individuals, groups, neighbors, non-profits and other agencies to participate in the development of a Master Plan. There will continue to be a series of public meetings and workshops to provide valuable input into what should and shouldn’t be included in the Master Plan. The plan will be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act and the conservation easements held by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District, State Coastal Conservancy, and Wildlife Conservation Board.

Q. Are there plans for a museum at the park?

A. A disabled-accessible interpretive center, featuring the rich cultural, agricultural and natural history of this site and region will be a likely feature of the park.

Q. What will happen to the Lake?

A. Restoration of Tolay Lake will occur to ensure natural and cultural resource protection with compatible public access, consistent with the conservation easements. Tolay Lake will not be restored to its full historic size due to the impacts on adjacent properties.

Back to Main