Body of News Release
The following is joint release from the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and the Town of San Anselmo.
SAN ANSELMO, CA -- The Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is affirming strong support for the Town of San Anselmo’s Creek Park Plaza vision and advancing a partnership to rehabilitate Building Bridge 2 (BB2), a major step toward creating a vibrant new community gathering place in the heart of downtown San Anselmo.
The rehabilitation of the District-owned structure would help unlock the next phase of the Town’s long-term Creek Park Plaza vision: reconnecting San Anselmo Avenue with Creek Park, expanding opportunities for community gatherings and events, supporting downtown businesses and creating an inviting public space that can be enjoyed for generations.
The Town recently presented updated Creek Park Plaza concepts to the Town Council as part of a public planning process that has been shaped by extensive community participation. Since the Reimagine Creek Park Community Advisory Committee was established by the Town Council in 2019, residents have participated through community surveys, public meetings, design reviews, workshops and other opportunities to help shape the future of this central downtown space.
BB2 is owned by the County Flood Control District. Earlier this year, the District and Town approved a lease allowing the Town to use the structure for limited, managed public gatherings once it is confirmed safe for the intended use. A subsequent structural engineering evaluation determined that repairs and reinforcement must be completed before the area can reopen.
Flood Control District staff is now working with the Town to advance the financial and project-delivery arrangements needed to complete that rehabilitation. The Town will be responsible for the cost of the plaza area improvements proposed on BB2 and the District intends to support funding for the necessary structural repairs, subject to approval of the final funding agreement by the District Board of Supervisors and Town Council.
The cost of the structural work is not yet known because the Town is continuing to develop the rehabilitation project and the actual cost of construction is still to be determined. Once that cost has been established, District staff anticipates bringing a cooperative funding agreement and funding recommendation to the District Board of Supervisors for consideration in early 2027.
The funds for this work are anticipated to come from the County’s general fund and not from the Flood Control Zone 9 funds.
Under the anticipated partnership, the Town would manage the rehabilitation project and construction work, including awarding and administering the construction contract, while the Flood District would provide funding and coordination as owner of the structure.
District 2 Supervisor Brian Colbert said the partnership creates an opportunity to turn the page on BB2 and focus on the exciting future now taking shape for Creek Park Plaza.
“This is a very positive moment for San Anselmo,” Colbert said. “After years of planning, public engagement and problem-solving, we can look ahead and see a real path toward creating the kind of downtown gathering place our community has imagined for years. Creek Park Plaza can become a signature public space — connecting the Avenue with the creek, bringing people together, supporting our local businesses and adding new energy to the heart of downtown.”
San Anselmo Mayor Steve Burdo said the partnership brings the community closer to realizing a long-standing Town priority.
“Creek Park Plaza represents exactly what makes San Anselmo special — our small-town character, a lively and walkable downtown, access to the creek and places where people naturally come together,” Burdo said. “We are excited to work with our partners at the Flood District in rehabilitating BB2. This is an important milestone that moves us closer to creating a welcoming public space that strengthens downtown and serves residents, businesses and visitors for decades to come.”
Kerrie P. McHugh, Chair of the Reimagine Creek Park Community Advisory Committee, said the progress reflects years of volunteer work and community participation.
“For the volunteers and community members who have spent years imagining what Creek Park can become, this is an exciting and meaningful step forward,” McHugh said. “From the beginning, this project has been built around listening to the community and creating a public space that reflects what people love about San Anselmo. The prospect of rehabilitating BB2 gives us an opportunity to build on all of that engagement and move closer to a Creek Park Plaza that is welcoming, beautiful and truly connected to downtown.”
Marin County Public Works Director Christopher Blunk said the agencies are coordinating the funding decision with the development of the Town’s rehabilitation project so the Board can consider a recommendation based on a well-defined scope and actual project costs.
“We have a clear shared objective: make the District-owned structure sound and safe so it can support the Town’s vision for public use,” Blunk said. “The Town is in the best position to manage the rehabilitation work in coordination with its Creek Park Plaza plans, while the Flood District has an important role as owner and funding partner. By working together now, we can bring the Board a well-supported funding recommendation once the construction cost is established and keep this important project moving forward.”
The BB2 rehabilitation would provide the structural foundation for future public use of Creek Park Plaza. The Town will continue to lead the broader plaza design, community engagement, downtown coordination and implementation of the overall Creek Park vision.
The plaza will remain closed until the rehabilitation is completed and qualified professionals confirm that the structure can safely accommodate its intended public use.
The District and Town will provide additional information as the repair scope, construction cost, funding agreement and schedule are finalized.