Santa Rosa, CA -- When the State Parks closure list was issued on Friday, the news rippled through the outdoor community in Santa Rosa. Many local favorites were on the list including Annadel State Park, a beloved park for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
“After the initial shock, we knew we had to try to be a part of the solution so we started a pledge drive to see what kind of community support we have for keeping Annadel open.”
The pledge drive started late Friday afternoon garnered attention online over the weekend as people sought a way to voice their concerns over the scheduled park closure. This morning the drive received it’s 1,000 pledge.
“It’s outstanding just how quickly this drive has taken off,” said Glass. “Annadel has a strong group of supporters that don’t want to see it it shut down and this pledge gives them the opportunity to voice their support.”
The pledge that LandPaths has posted online asks people to commit to being a part of the solution to the parks closure crisis through trail monitoring, stewardship and responsible use.
“We are working with a broad coalition of partners to develop creative responses to this crisis. We believe the public will is there; we can find a way to save Annadel and our other local gems,” said Glass.
The number of pledges and the comments left on the pledge website show there is the will to keep it open. “Parks! The last symbol of democracy,” said Gary Hochman. “The poor, the rich, the weak, the strong, we all use the parks. Annadel is a regional treasure and is too precious and important to be closed.”
Commenters were also quick to offer suggestions on how to keep the park open with some volunteering to work a shift and other suggesting the park find a rich benefactor. Everyone is in agreement that open access needs to remain.
"This is one of the most popular and well used parks I have ever been in. It is in the middle of a Santa Rosa and people of all ages walk, run, bicycle and horse back ride here,” said Sally Churgel on the pledge webpage. Jeff Mitchell agreed writing “Annadel is a rare gem of a truely wild park in an urban area. It's used and loved by thousands of people every week. Please keep it open!”
“I support the petition presented by Land Paths, want to be part of the solution to keep Annadel open, and echo the sentiments of many other folks before me on this comment string,” said Shannon Sobeck. “Annadel is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle for countless individuals in our community and a major reason I live and work nearby. Let's figure this out!”
“We believe that the State should fully fund all of the parks but we will also be seeking ‘people powered’ solutions to keep them open,” said Glass. “This drive shows just how important parks are to everyone and as a community I believe we will come up with an answer.”
“After the initial shock, we knew we had to try to be a part of the solution so we started a pledge drive to see what kind of community support we have for keeping Annadel open.”
The pledge drive started late Friday afternoon garnered attention online over the weekend as people sought a way to voice their concerns over the scheduled park closure. This morning the drive received it’s 1,000 pledge.
“It’s outstanding just how quickly this drive has taken off,” said Glass. “Annadel has a strong group of supporters that don’t want to see it it shut down and this pledge gives them the opportunity to voice their support.”
The pledge that LandPaths has posted online asks people to commit to being a part of the solution to the parks closure crisis through trail monitoring, stewardship and responsible use.
“We are working with a broad coalition of partners to develop creative responses to this crisis. We believe the public will is there; we can find a way to save Annadel and our other local gems,” said Glass.
The number of pledges and the comments left on the pledge website show there is the will to keep it open. “Parks! The last symbol of democracy,” said Gary Hochman. “The poor, the rich, the weak, the strong, we all use the parks. Annadel is a regional treasure and is too precious and important to be closed.”
Commenters were also quick to offer suggestions on how to keep the park open with some volunteering to work a shift and other suggesting the park find a rich benefactor. Everyone is in agreement that open access needs to remain.
"This is one of the most popular and well used parks I have ever been in. It is in the middle of a Santa Rosa and people of all ages walk, run, bicycle and horse back ride here,” said Sally Churgel on the pledge webpage. Jeff Mitchell agreed writing “Annadel is a rare gem of a truely wild park in an urban area. It's used and loved by thousands of people every week. Please keep it open!”
“I support the petition presented by Land Paths, want to be part of the solution to keep Annadel open, and echo the sentiments of many other folks before me on this comment string,” said Shannon Sobeck. “Annadel is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle for countless individuals in our community and a major reason I live and work nearby. Let's figure this out!”
“We believe that the State should fully fund all of the parks but we will also be seeking ‘people powered’ solutions to keep them open,” said Glass. “This drive shows just how important parks are to everyone and as a community I believe we will come up with an answer.”
For those interested in pledging to be a part of the solution visit the pledge page at http://www.change.org/petitions/pledge-to-help-keep-annadel-state-park-open.
Change.org|Start an Online Petition »
That said, please know that a very similar situation: a state park threatened because of budget cuts - was why LandPaths was born in 1997. In fact, it is during these times that LandPaths begins to swim with broad tail strokes in order to provide for parks to stay open, creeks to be stewarded, and school groups to have access to the land outside their classroom walls. We do this in several ways: 
Whether Annadel is ultimately threatened with immediate closure or not, we welcome your ideas, suggestions of partnerships and other input per how we can all do right by our State Parks in Sonoma County - so that they not only continue to be available to all - but actually thrive! 
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