Petaluma – Helen Putnam Regional Park

Helen Putnam Regional Park is a regional park in Sonoma County, California, United States, located southwest of Petaluma area and maintained by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department. It has a total land area of 216 acres (87 ha). It is located at 411 Chileno Valley Road, which is the park’s entrance. In 1985, the park was officially dedicated to the people of the community. A network of pathways crisscrosses grassy hillsides and winds through oak trees over a distance of 6 miles. Ridge-top pathways provide panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside in southern Sonoma County. A fishing pond is home to bluegill and other types of fish. A handicapped-accessible playground, picnic area, and gazebo are all conveniently placed near the parking area.

There are various routes in the park that are good for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian riding.. A stretch of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is included in the trails system. There are 37 parking places available, including spaces for those with disabilities and equestrian riders. A gazebo, a picnic area, and a children’s playground are all located near the parking lot, as well as a pond that is stocked with bluegill. Thanks to Helen Putnam Park’s looping trail system, hikers may make treks of varied lengths and levels of difficulty, making the park an excellent choice for novice hikers looking for a little bit of variety in their hikes. Bicyclists and equestrian riders are also welcome on the trails.

In honor of Helen Putnam, a former teacher who rose to become the city’s first female mayor, serving from 1966 to 1978, and the county’s second female supervisor, the park was dedicated in her honor. There are two other parks named after her: Helen Putnam Park in nearby Cotati, California, and Putnam Plaza in downtown Petaluma.

Step back in time as we explore how plate tectonics and volcanic activity have shaped our local landscapes. Learn why Sonoma County is home to such rich geologic diversity and how that diversity has informed the history of the region. Join us for a fun morning of history and exploration at Helen Putnam as we begin to unravel what the landscape looked like prior to becoming a park. Investigate the park’s cultural history during a scavenger hunt that will reveal what the landscape looked like prior to Spanish/Mexican settlements.

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Critical Control – Restoration service