NEWS RELEASE

Located northeast of the Russian River at 7821 Eastside Road in Windsor, Riverfront Regional Park will open to the public on Monday, January 24, 2005. The 300-acre property, located adjacent to the Russian River, includes former gravel pits, two of which will become recreational lakes for fishing and non-motorized boating as part of a five phase project. This initial first phase of the project includes paved access driveway, 60 parking spaces, a redwood grove picnic areas and over two miles of trails.  Phase two of the project will tentatively be completed in the fall of 2005, and include a entrance kiosk building, permanent restroom, basic utilities, additional picnic sites, and a hill top hiking trail.
“The opening of Riverfront Park provides another wonderful opportunity for people to engage in healthy activities along one of Sonoma County’s most beloved natural features. I know this new park will become a very popular destination for residents and visitors alike”, said County Supervisor Paul Kelley.
The Sonoma County Water Agency and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District purchased Riverfront Regional Park in 2002. The Open Space District also provided a $459,000 matching grant to the Regional Parks Department to help facilitate park construction. An additional $100,000 in funding for park development came from Park Mitigation Fees.
The property was a former gravel quarry site. There is no swimming allowed in the lakes. Non-motorized boats are permitted on the two southern lakes. The park is subject to flooding and/or closure during major storm events.
For additional information on the Sonoma County Regional Parks, call (707) 565-2041 weekdays, or visit www.sonoma-county.org