NEWS RELEASE

Sonoma County Regional Parks is pleased to announce that an electronic card-activated gate and a disabled access parking lot and trail has been installed at Foothill Regional Park in Windsor. This gate provides access to the scenic middle area of the Park for mobility impaired/disabled individuals.  Once through the gate, drivers follow a  ½-mile long gravel driveway to a paved parking lot with five designated disabled access parking spaces. The gate was installed at the west end entrance to the Park at 1351 Arata Lane and is activated with an access key card. Access cards will be issued at no cost beginning April 1, 2005 to park users with disabilities upon request from the County’s Regional Parks Department main office at 2300 County Center Drive, Suite 120A, in Santa Rosa. Requestors must bring their DMV placard, disabled person identification card/receipt, and a photo ID.

The general contractor for the project was Fieldstone Construction Company and Green Valley Consulting Engineers prepared construction plans. A Sonoma County Community Development Commission Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $50,000 and matching funds from the Regional Parks Department funded the project.

Foothill Regional Park encompasses 211 acres. There are three small lakes on the property. Bass and bluegill are often caught in the ponds. No swimming, boating or wading is allowed in any of the three lakes. The park offers outstanding views and a unique outdoor experience within easy reach. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park.

For additional information about the ADA accessible gate at Foothill or other Sonoma County Regional Parks, call (707) 565-2041 weekdays or visit www.sonoma-county.org/parks.