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Greenbelt Alliance In the News

July 14, 2004

Solano parks district plan pushes forward

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Such a district would operate a string of parks where people could hike and see nature. It could possibly assume ownership of existing, large parks, such as Fairfield's Rockville Hills Park. It could be funded by a voter-approved tax.

Another step took place on Monday evening. Friends of Solano Regional Park District held what it called a "summit" of interested parties at the Solano County Office of Education.

About 50 people attended, said Brent Schoradt of the Greenbelt Alliance. People ranged from county park officials to farmers to representatives from city parks and recreation commissions, he said.

Now the group plans to start a summer outreach program. It wants to talk with business interests and farmers and others about their ideas and concerns over a park district, Schoradt said.

The group plans to hold a second "summit" in mid-September, he said.

"It's really about building a consensus and working with as many groups as are interested," Schoradt said.

People can get in touch with the group by calling Schoradt at 427-2308.

Friends of Solano Regional Park District describes itself as "a coalition of citizens and organizations." The group's letterhead lists Fairfield City Councilmembers Jack Batson and Marilyn Farley, former Assemblyman Tom Hannigan and county Supervisor Duane Kromm among the supporters.

An official from the East Bay Regional Park District talked at Monday's meeting. This district runs a string of parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including Tilden and Briones parks.

"They're really a national model," Schoradt said.

Meanwhile, Solano County approached various cities and agencies to see if they have parks they'd like to see become part of the county regional park system.

Solano County already runs several parks, including Lake Solano and Sandy Beach. It could expand the existing park system or help create an independent, countywide park district.

For example, the county approached Fairfield. It asked if the city is interested in having the county play some role with Rockville Hills Park. Fairfield owns this park in the hills near Suisun Valley and Green Valleys.

Fairfield council members mentioned the county's query at their June 1 meeting.

City Councilman John English asked if the city would improve Rockville Hills Park, only to relinquish ownership to the county.

Fairfield in 2002 passed a $1.8 million Rockville Hills Park improvement plan. Part of the money is to come from entrance fees the council recently approved.

Farley expressed concern about making Rockville Hills Park part of the existing county park system. The county historically hasn't had enough revenues for parks, she said.

But a park district could have a voter-approved revenue stream, she said.

"I can envision at some time a park district will continue the work we begin," she said.

She didn't want Fairfield to stop work on Rockville Hills Park on the presumption a park district will be formed. That's not certain, she said.

"I think at this point it's probably premature for us to make any decision," Farley said.

The county in its letter to the city asked for an answer. The council agreed to place this topic on the agenda of a future meeting for further discussion.

The Solano County Board of Supervisors could also get in on the discussion. In May, it agreed to talk about a park district at a future date. Kromm said Tuesday that the discussion could come in August.

Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646 Ext. 232 or at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.

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