On August 21, 2023, City Council approved a master plan for a new park in the Saggio Hills development on the north side of Healdsburg, the Laura Fish Somersal Park. The master plan is a long-term vision that includes community park amenities, a sports field component, trails, and natural areas. Due to the overall costs and available funding Laura Fish Somersal Park will be developed in multiple phases.
The City Council directed that the first phase of development include:
- Multipurpose trail
- Creek restoration
- Parking and support facilities such as a restroom and drinking fountain
- Infrastructure such as utilities and storm water treatment facilities to support the first phase of development as well as future phases of development
- Other park amenities as funding allows, including a modest sports component
Fletcher Studio, a landscape architecture firm that has been involved in the project since 2019, developed a schematic design for Phase 1 focusing on the components above. Schematic design refines concepts in the master plan, assigns cost estimates to determine feasibility, and sets the stage for bidding and construction. City Council reviewed the schematic design in May 2025 and directed Fletcher Studio to proceed with the preparation of design development and construction drawings for Phase 1 under the following plan:
- The design for the base bid will include the multipurpose trail, bridge crossings, creek restoration, and main park parking lot.
- Restrooms and the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve Parking/Trailhead will be designed and included as bid alternates.
The City Council staff report and schematic design presentation can be downloaded here.
Bidding and the commencement of construction for this first phase of the park's development is anticipated in early 2026.