Petaluma needs more multi-use fields. That is the opinion of one-third of those responding to the Argus-Courier’s online poll April 2, 2009.
Those responding to the poll preferred the multi-use fields or more swimming pools (28.6 percent). Of the respondents, 9.5 percent favored more baseball/softball fields. Gymnasiums and tennis courts were the choice of 4.8 percent those participating.
Of those responding, 38.1 percent said Petaluma’s current recreational facilities were not well maintained, while an equal 38.1 percent said they were well cared for.
Here are some of the comments by those who responded to the survey. Visit http:// pulse-of-petaluma.petaluma 360.com to read more comments.
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“This town really must complete the East Washington Fields Project. The Lucchesi Park field is in terrible disrepair, and possibly poses a lead hazard, according to some. The grass fields in town are in poor condition and not always available for use. A new multi-field facility would benefit the many youth and adult soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball players in our town and surrounding areas. Plus, it will generate income for the city.”
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“We need an all-season (indoor) pool. Having it located at Casa Grande High School would maximize the benefit, allowing it to be used for both the school and the community.”
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“I wouldn’t say they were ‘well’ maintained, but ‘adequately’ maintained given the city’s budget problems. As for needing more facilities, sure, that’s a nice thing to have, but it takes money to build them and money to maintain them, which is pretty much of an endangered species these days.”
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“Outdoor basketball courts would be nice. The only nice ones with lights are at Leghorn Park. We used to drive to Rohnert Park before Leghorn Park opened. A nice basketball court with lights on the west side would be great.”
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“What Petaluma really needs are parks with trees and picnic areas for all to enjoy, and not the limited opportunities afforded by the choices this poll presents.”
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“I do not believe any more rec facilities are needed.”
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“I would like to see an indoor soccer facility. The city could make major bucks.”
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“I lived in Petaluma for 30 years before moving eight years ago. I coached youth sports for many of those years, and the facilities were very substandard, to say the least. When new subdivisions were built, no rec facilities were included. Token picnic areas were sometimes included, but no significant facilities were developed. Look at Natomas in Sacramento and complexes in Rohnert Park and other communities. These amenities can be secured when property is developed. However, politics and the planning process must address the recreation needs and follow through with implementation.”
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“Petaluma has a swimming pool that people from through-out the North Bay come to use, but it is an aging facility. The city must commit efforts to install an efficient solar heating system so that costs of operation can be reduced and the season of use extended. It is a shame that federal stimulus funds cannot be used to solarize this facility. It is also time for this community to consider a recreation bond to support a critical quality-of-life indicator ” recreation and parks. All of us benefit from a healthy, vibrant community in so many ways.”
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“There needs to be more vision about preserving open space, environmental activities and outdoor recreation that isn’t just active sports. Thinking differently, and asking families who use the multi-use and baseball/softball fields, as well as groups, to contribute to maintenance and fundraising. That’s what all the other cities do. Petalumans could get on board to help themselves. The Parks and Rec Department does a fantastic job with the limited staff and resources it has.”
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“It’s time that we had a comprehensive bond measure for recreation and athletic facilities. There are plenty of new, young families in town who will be raising kids here, and who would invest in improved parks and recreation. If we started the process now, it would just about be ready when the economy begins to improve.”
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“I would much rather see more recreational facilities than more stores. The land around the old Kenilworth Junior High School should be used for recreational facilities. It is the perfect spot with the swim center, Carter Field, and adjacent fields. I remember one of the proposals for the site included recreational fields, but instead the proposal for more retail stores was chosen. Petaluma needs to get its priorities straight. We need to promote healthy and physical activity rather than shopping for things we don’t need or that we can get at existing stores in Petaluma or nearby cities.”
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“Please get rid of the fairgrounds auto raceway. It’s time Petaluma moved on to the future, not back to the future, and stopped promoting the car culture. Petaluma is, and can be, so much more.”

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“Safe roads where people can bike was not on your list. That’s what most of us need.”
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“Hard surfaces on basketball and tennis courts never get repaired. Bulbs are burnt out in all parks. Sand/mulch needs filling in all playgrounds.”
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“I am satisfied with the existing facilities.”
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“Petaluma needs a hockey court. There is not one court in all of Petaluma. People end up driving to Hamilton Field in Novato just to get to a court. Hockey teaches relationships, social skills and builds self esteem. This will help kids be occupied and stay off the street. I’m only asking for one court; any tennis court can be easily converted.”
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“Lucchesi playground needs help. They removed a bench and two trees in the sand, and these need to be replaced. Any volunteers?”