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Frequently Asked Questions: Recreation, Parks, & Facilities

Parks

A favorite local hiking location is the Sonoma Overlook and Montini Preserve trails.  The City’s Class I bike paths are multi-use, providing opportunities for pedestrians as well as cyclists.  For more hiking options in Sonoma Valley, visit the “Parks, Open Space, and Historic Sites” listings in the online Community Parks & Recreations Directory.

Sonoma is proud of its extensive park system, totaling almost 80 total acres, as well as its bike trail network and its two open space preserves encompassing almost 99 acres. Find locations, amenities, maps and more on our Parks, Trails & Trees page. For listings of parks and recreational opportunities throughout Sonoma Valley, visit the online Community Parks & Recreation Directory.

Most parks are available on a first come-first serve basis unless the park has been reserved in advance for a special event.

For those individuals looking to reserve a park facility for a special event, please contact Lisa Janson . The process starts by reviewing the Special Events calendar to ensure the space is available. If it is available, a Use Application can be downloaded, completed.  Once the completed application and fees are received the approval process begins. It typically takes 1-2 weeks for an approval of a small event and up to 6 weeks to approve a large scale event.

It is always a good idea to check with the City, and be sure the date you have in mind is open for use. As a general rule, small birthday parties and picnics do not need to rent space, but you would want to make sure another large event is not scheduled simultaneously. If you are planning an event that will have music, a substantial attendance, catered food and/or other vendors, an application must be submitted.

The City of Sonoma does require a Film Permit to be on file prior to any filming/ photo shoots taking place within City limits, this process takes approximately 15 business days to complete. If you are planning on filming within the City limits the City requires a list of specific locations, times, written permission from property owners, insurance coverage, posting/notification to public to be included in your Film Permit. If you have any questions please contact Special Events Manager Lisa Janson 707.339.2534 or ljanson@sonomacity.org.

These are used for parades or other events where total street closure within the City is required, i.e. a race.

A Street Use Application may be found and downloaded from the “Form” page (page and link needed).

Most parks are available on a first come-first served basis unless the park has been reserved in advance for a special event. For those individuals looking to reserve a park facility for a special event please contact Lisa Janson at 707.339.2534.

The process starts by reviewing the Special Events calendar to ensure the space is available. If it is available a Use Application can be downloaded, completed and emailed to ljanson@sonomacity.org.  Please note priority for use of a section of either park is always granted to the individual/organization that has an approved Use Application Permit on file. If you are planning an event that includes the use of suppliers/vendors i.e. party rental companies, musicians, caterers etc., a Use Application Permit is necessary.

The Special Events Manager will follow-up once the application is received, fees will be calculated and a check payable to the City of Sonoma will be requested. Once the completed application and fees are received the approval process begins. It typically takes 1-2 weeks for an approval of a small event and up to 6 weeks to approve a large scale event.

Dogs are not allowed in the Sonoma Plaza park, with the exception of service animals.  There is a small dog park located near the Community Meeting Room (175 First St. West). You can find listings of dog-friendly parks and open space areas using the online Community Parks & Recreation Directory.

The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau can provide information on other dog-friendly facilities and businesses in the area.

Bicycling

If you’re biking to the Plaza, you can find bike parking at several locations as outlined on our Plaza Bike Parking Map, including the “hitching post” across from the Barracks and Toscano Hotel and at the bike parking sculpture along the horseshoe driveway in front of City Hall, among other spots.  Please note that bike riding in the Plaza park is not allowed, so park your bike when you arrive.

Bike paths and lanes are shown on the City’s Bicycle Map.

The existing bicycle network in Sonoma consists of Class I pathways and Class II bike lanes, and Class III bike routes. The City’s longest Class I pathway is the Sonoma City Trail, which generally runs east-west and extends for approximately 1.5 miles across northern Sonoma. The Nathanson Creek Trail extends north-south along Nathanson Creek in the City’s southeast quadrant connecting local neighborhoods and Sonoma Valley High School and Adele Harrison Middle School.

The Madera Park Trail extends north-south along Fryer Creek from Leveroni Road at the southwestern city limit and connects to 3rd Street West. It includes several short spur connections including the KT Carter Trail and the Hertenstein Park Trail. The Sonoma Creek Trail, located on the western edge of the City south of Napa Road is located on the eastern bank of Sonoma Creek, and provides connections to Oregon Street, Studley Street, and West Napa Street and includes a bridge over Napa Creek to Riverside Drive. Class II bike lanes are provided on Studley Street, Oregon Street and Dewell Drive along with a few other short segments. Class III bike routes are provided on Second Street East, Third Street West, Oregon Street, and Curtin Lane.

Learn more about bicycling in Sonoma.

For information regarding the “Adopt-A-Bike Path” program, contact the Public Works Department at (707) 938-3332. Further information on the “Adopt-A-Bike Path” is available here on the website.

Recreation & Community Facilities

A favorite local hiking location is the Sonoma Overlook and Montini Preserve trails.  The City’s Class I bike paths are multi-use, providing opportunities for pedestrians as well as cyclists.  For more hiking options in Sonoma Valley, visit the “Parks, Open Space, and Historic Sites” listings in the online Community Parks & Recreations Directory.

The City of Sonoma does not operate its own Recreation Department.  Instead, traditional recreational and community services programs  are provided by local non-profit organizations with the support of the City.  Find information about the recreation, parks and community services available in Sonoma on our Recreation page.

Special Events

Great resources for community event listings include the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. For events on the Plaza or in Depot Park, you can view the calendar on our Special Events page, or subscribe to e-mail updates on upcoming special events.

As part of the agreement between the City of Sonoma and the Sonoma Tourism Improvement District (TID), a Special Event Promotional Program has been established as a funding mechanism to support special events that drive overnight room stays within City limits. Preference is provided to special events that are scheduled in the “off-season,” defined as November through April.  Applications are accepted annually during a set period.

The City of Sonoma does not require a use permit for public protest being held on City property. However, advance knowledge of a protest helps the City prepare for any possible situations that might arise due to the public protest. If you are planning a protest please contact the Lisa Janson (415) 259-9458 or Rebekah Barr, City Clerk (707) 933-2216.

If you have an idea for a cultural event that is relevant to our community but don’t know where to start please feel free to contact Lisa Janson Special Events Manager for the City of Sonoma (707) 339-2534.

If you are ready to book your event please complete the online Plaza Use Permit  or Depot Park Permit.

Most parks are available on a first come-first serve basis unless the park has been reserved in advance for a special event.

For those individuals looking to reserve a park facility for a special event, please contact Lisa Janson . The process starts by reviewing the Special Events calendar to ensure the space is available. If it is available, a Use Application can be downloaded, completed.  Once the completed application and fees are received the approval process begins. It typically takes 1-2 weeks for an approval of a small event and up to 6 weeks to approve a large scale event.

It is always a good idea to check with the City, and be sure the date you have in mind is open for use. As a general rule, small birthday parties and picnics do not need to rent space, but you would want to make sure another large event is not scheduled simultaneously. If you are planning an event that will have music, a substantial attendance, catered food and/or other vendors, an application must be submitted.

Small events are usually approved administratively, and within a few days. Larger events have a more extensive review.

Large events are first reviewed by the Special Events Committee(SEC). This is a preliminary staff review, and the Committee consists of the Parks Supervisor, the Chief of Police, the Public Works Director and a representative from the Fire Department.

After review and recommendation from the SEC the Special Events Manager and or the City Manager will approve the permit with conditions outlined by the SEC.

 

The City of Sonoma does require a Film Permit to be on file prior to any filming/ photo shoots taking place within City limits, this process takes approximately 15 business days to complete. If you are planning on filming within the City limits the City requires a list of specific locations, times, written permission from property owners, insurance coverage, posting/notification to public to be included in your Film Permit. If you have any questions please contact Special Events Manager Lisa Janson 707.339.2534 or ljanson@sonomacity.org.

The Plaza and Depot Park can both be used to host weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and going away events. Please note the City does  have staff who can officiate a wedding, but prior arrangements need to be made.
Contact Lisa Janson, Special Events Manager, at 707) 339-2534 or complete our Plaza Use Permit for your future event.

These are used for parades or other events where total street closure within the City is required, i.e. a race.

A Street Use Application may be found and downloaded from the “Form” page (page and link needed).

Most parks are available on a first come-first served basis unless the park has been reserved in advance for a special event. For those individuals looking to reserve a park facility for a special event please contact Lisa Janson at 707.339.2534.

The process starts by reviewing the Special Events calendar to ensure the space is available. If it is available a Use Application can be downloaded, completed and emailed to ljanson@sonomacity.org.  Please note priority for use of a section of either park is always granted to the individual/organization that has an approved Use Application Permit on file. If you are planning an event that includes the use of suppliers/vendors i.e. party rental companies, musicians, caterers etc., a Use Application Permit is necessary.

The Special Events Manager will follow-up once the application is received, fees will be calculated and a check payable to the City of Sonoma will be requested. Once the completed application and fees are received the approval process begins. It typically takes 1-2 weeks for an approval of a small event and up to 6 weeks to approve a large scale event.

The Post-Event Review is an opportunity for you, as the event organizer, staff and the CSEC to discuss the success of the event, and how to proceed in the future. Typically, this review provides a positive basis for continuing the event in the future, and an opportunity to let event organizers know about any changes in policy.

To sell alcoholic beverages, you need a liquor license. You can find information about buying a liquor license from the California Department of Alcohol & Beverage Control (ABC). The nearest local ABC office is in Santa Rosa. You can call them at (707) 576-2165. Your business may also need special review and approvals from the City of Sonoma. Contact the Planning Department and we’ll let you know.
 
You can also get temporary licenses for events.  More information can be found on our Special Events pages. Please complete the form and email it to ljanson@sonomacity.org.  You are required to collect the signatures from the property owner and the Police Department.

Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Market (STNM) is presented by City of Sonoma in partnership with Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce in the “Horseshoe” in front of Sonoma City Hall from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm starting on May 18th.

Additional local markets include the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market (Fridays year-round, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the Arnold Field parking lot at 241 First St. W.), and the Saturday Harvest Market at the Sonoma Garden Park.

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