The giant acorn has been installed, pathways paved and bathrooms
replaced at Giorgi Park, which after being closed for the entire
summer for major renovations will officially open to the public
this Saturday.
The entire park, play structure, parking lot, bathrooms and
picnic areas were torn out and replaced with modernized structures,
many that were uniquely made for Healdsburg’s park.
Visitors will notice many of the changes with their first step
off of University Street and into the park, situated next to
Recreation Park. Two houses were torn down to make the park
“whole,” grass-covered open space play areas were added, as well as
a new basketball court, Russian River water feature, a new parking
lot, shade structures and art benches.
“The park itself is completely different,” said Healdsburg Parks
and Recreation Director David Mickaelian. “We were really sensitive
to the history of the park, but as far as the play area, there’s
nothing like this around.”
The former wooden play structure and park were largely built by
a volunteer effort, and pickets that were purchased to raise money
for the park were re-used and installed at the new park.
“The old park didn’t have any grass at all, and now there’s play
areas, a shade structure, picnic areas and barbecues for family
gatherings,” Mickaelian said.
“It’s a whole different feel, it’s nothing like what it was
before.”
The $1.4 million project was paid for by the Redevelopment
Agency of Healdsburg, a Sonoma County Open Space grant and park
impact fees.
In an effort to cut costs for the park, the Parks and Recreation
Department held two volunteer work days, when more than 140 people
came out to help build the custom play structures.
“Typically you write a check and hand it off,” Mickaelian said.
“But, this was a real team effort.”
A small ceremony will be held on Saturday at noon followed by a
tour of the park. The public is encouraged to visit the new park.
For more information, visit www.healdsburgparksandrec.org.
