Wine Country Times

Sonoma County Regional Parks has released its report on the recently passed Measure M park sales tax. 

In the report, the measure has provided $12.4 million from the 2019-2020 fiscal year to the county and its nine cities to improve parks. 

“Thanks to this dedicated source of funding, the county and cities are making real, on-the-ground improvements to parks, trails and playgrounds," Board of Supervisors Chair Lynda Hopkins said. “We’re increasing access to the outdoors, protecting the environment and connecting communities to the spaces and programs that make us stronger, healthier and happier.”  

Measure M was passed by Sonoma voters in 2018, which called for a one-eighth-cent sales tax that would provide funding to expand and improve parks within the county. The sales tax will provide funding for ten years, with Regional Parks receiving two-thirds of the funding. The other one-third of the funding will be divided among the county’s cities based upon their populations.  

In its first year, Regional Parks used $8.3 million to expand parklands and trails for Sonoma County residents. This included improvements at the Cooper Creek expansion, the Lawson Trail at Hood Mountain, and the wildlife habitats at Tolay Lake and other parks. As for the cities, their $4.1 million in funding served to rebuild fire-damaged parks, renovating playgrounds, sport courts and constructing fire-safe landscaping. 

“This annual report highlights our collective successes. We’re proud of what was accomplished, especially in a year that included immense challenges and unprecedented need for parks and outdoor recreation services," Regional Parks deputy director Melanie Parker said.

To ensure that the funds were used for their original intents, a citizen oversight committee worked with the county and city park representatives to compile the report before sending it to the Board of Supervisors. 

“Together, parks agencies are working to deliver benefits to all Sonoma County residents who depend on city and county parks for their health, well-being and important connections to the natural world," Parker said.