Body of News Release
UPDATE 9/16: The Board authorized the grant agreement.
Marin County, CA – The development of a new park in San Rafael's Canal neighborhood is at stake when the Marin County Board of Supervisors considers awarding funding to the project during its September 16 meeting.
The City of San Rafael applied for a grant with Marin County Parks to support the acquisition of a 1.65-acre boatyard on the south side of the canal. Should the Board authorize the grant, the parcel at 620 Canal Street would be a key cog in plans for a new waterfront park and multiuse path connection that would provide opportunities for recreation and a much-needed safer route to school and work for the historically underserved residents of the largely low-income and Latino community.
San Rafael has worked with the nonprofit Trust for Public Land (TPL) and other partners on an effort to acquire the property. The total purchase price is $3.355 million. The grant request of $1.35 million would be added to $500,000 previously committed from the City of San Rafael’s own funds. The source of the funds for the County’s grant would be Marin County Park’s Measure A, specifically, funds from Measure A’s dedicated acquisition set aside.
The City and TPL are still working with Canal Alliance and other local partners to identify the remaining $1.505 million required to complete the purchase of the property from its current owner. If all goes according to plan, the city will initiate a community-based planning process to design recreational amenities and programming while partnering with community groups to raise funds for remediation, park design, and construction.
Canal Alliance, a community-based nonprofit organization since 1982, has been a leading supporter and advocate for the acquisition and development of what’s tentatively called Canal Boatyard Park. Another critical need, identified by Canal residents and city planners, is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the canal that would allow passage to the commercial Montecito Plaza and San Rafael High School properties. Existing conditions force walkers and bike riders to cross the canal over the bridge on East Francisco Drive, which is much less safe and convenient for students, shoppers, and workers.
"The Parks Measure A investment demonstrates our commitment to building strong partnerships with local municipalities and improving park access," said Chris Chamberlain, Director of Marin County Parks. "Supporting the City of San Rafael in acquiring this key waterfront property is more than a contribution to a land purchase — it's a step toward addressing long-standing inequities, enhancing health and economic outcomes, and creating a more connected and vibrant community."
The Board’s September 19 meeting begins at 9 AM in the Board chamber, Suite 330, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Viewers may watch or participate on the Board’s meeting website, and Comcast subscribers may watch the live meeting on Channel 27.
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