SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (BCN) - Seven urban open space projects in Sonoma County are in line for $3.4 million in matching funds by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District recommended the seven projects for District funding Tuesday, District spokeswoman Amy Ricard said.
The projects provide open space restoration and recreational opportunities within cities or on the urban edge, Ricard said.
Andy's Unity Park, in memory of 13-year-old Andy Lopez who was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy on Moorland Avenue outside southwest Santa Rosa three years ago, is in line for $1 million. The money would be used to develop picnic areas, a community garden and natural playing fields.
The Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway also is slated for $1 million in funding for a proposed acquisition of 57 acres of land for park and open space connecting Farmers Lane in Santa Rosa to Spring Lake Regional Park.
Roseland Creek Community Park is in line for $920,000 for the acquisition of 2.61 acres.
The goal of the Open Space District's matching grant program is to create vibrant and inviting spaces within cities or on the urban edge where residents can exercise and enjoy the outdoors, District General Manager Bill Keene said.
The Open Space District's acceptance of the projects into the matching grant program does not guarantee funding, but it is a commitment by the District to work with the cities and nonprofit applicants to meet all the funding requirements, Ricard said.