Introducing The Renovated Maxwell Farms Regional Park

SONOMA COUNTY, CA – Construction is complete on a series of improvements at Maxwell Farms Regional Park, a favorite destination for families and local sports leagues in the Boyes Hot Springs area near Sonoma.

Sonoma County Regional Parks has completed the first phase of the park’s renovation, introducing new sports fields, improved parking and enhanced ADA access and amenities to boost recreational opportunities at this central community park, it was announced Thursday.

This first phase of updates at the 82-acre park is part of a master plan aimed at creating more access to high-quality sports facilities, improving safety and accessibility, and enhancing the overall park experience for all visitors.

Updates included all-weather sports fields for baseball, soccer and lacrosse, ensuring year-round playability for local sports leagues; new restroom buildings with potential for concession operations; expanded parking with more ADA-accessible spaces and new EV charging stations. Plus, new ADA-accessible pathways allow visitors of all abilities to access the sports fields, playground, picnic areas, and fan seating.

"This project showcases the County's commitment to health and sustainability,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. "Parks are vital community assets, and these improvements will support the diverse needs of the Springs and Sonoma community, offering enhanced spaces for recreation, gathering, and enjoyment."

The new sports fields feature artificial turf, a stormwater catchment system and modernized irrigation, significantly reducing water consumption and maintenance and safety issues of the previous grass fields — such as ankle-twisting gopher holes —while improving year-round usability and player experience.

Safety has been further enhanced with better parking lot lighting and a signalized pedestrian crosswalk on Verano Avenue. The main entrance has been redesigned for easier access by emergency vehicles, buses and convenient drop-offs and pickups at the Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley within the park.

"I’m thrilled to see the remarkable transformation of Maxwell Farms Regional Park and I am looking forward to what’s coming in the near future," said Supervisor Susan Gorin, whose District 1 includes the Boyes Hot Springs area. "These upgrades bring new life to our beloved park, and I'm especially excited about the improved accessibility for all residents. The inspiration for the Maxwell Farms renovations really rests with the success of Nikita Duccaroz. BMX freestyling was her success as a young woman; she found her passion and her mother wanted a pump track in the park to serve as a place for other young folks to find their passions. And this summer, Nikita competed in the Olympics for Switzerland."

Maxwell Farms Regional Park, developed in 1988, has long been a recreation hub for Sonoma Valley residents. The 2019 update to the park’s Master Plan — the document that guides the development of trails, recreational and educational uses, and stewardship of the natural resources — addressed community needs in light of population growth and changing demographics, deferred maintenance needs and the loss of another nearby local ball field. The park’s redesign aims to meet increasing demand while preserving the natural resources and habitat along Sonoma Creek.

Construction on the first phase began in fall 2022 following a $3 million allocation by the Board of Supervisors. The construction of Phase 1 totaled $9.3 million. Other funding sources included state grants ($2.5 million), the Parks For All-Measure M ($2.7 million), Sonoma Valley area park mitigation fees ($267,000), disabled access improvements funds ($187,000), and Sonoma County Parks Foundation ($180,000).

"Maxwell Farms has entered a new era thanks to the many years of hard work, community support and leadership," said Bert Whitaker, director of Sonoma County Regional Parks. "The efforts we've put in over the past decades are now paying off, and the current upgrades set the stage for even more exciting developments in the future."

Planning and fundraising are underway for the second phase of improvements, which will feature a renovated skatepark, a new bicycle and scooter pump track, new pickleball courts, and improvements to backcountry trails. The county said construction on the second phase will begin once funding is secured.

Maxwell Farms Regional Park is at 100 Verano Ave. in Sonoma. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Visit the park's webpage for more information. The video below provides more details.