City launches virtual parks and rec directory

The city of Sonoma, in partnership with the Community Recreation and Parks Task Force, has launched a virtual directory that provides information about recreational opportunities, park and community facilities in Sonoma Valley.

“The new directory on the City’s website is going to be a terrific resource for understanding the wide range of recreational opportunities available in the Sonoma Valley and we appreciate the hard work of city staff and task force members in gathering and formatting the information,” said Steve Page, a member of the task force.

Community members can use the Parks and Recreation Directory as a one-stop shop to easily find providers that offer arts can culture, athletics, sports and fitness, enrichment, senior and youth programming as well as organizations that provide dual language instruction, scholarships and volunteer opportunities. The directory also features a comprehensive listing of public parks; open space and historic sites and facilities; and fields and courts available for rent or reservation.

The directory can be used by taking five easy steps:

• Visit this webpage.

• Select a category.

• Narrow your search by clicking or tapping the check box next to all the categories or amenities you want to include in your search. Then click or tap “Filter” to see the results.

• Click or tap on a listing for more information.

• Visit a specific organization’s website for program offerings, schedules and registration information.

Public and nonprofit partners can have a listing in the directory at no charge. Eligible organizations can request a listing by submitting a Parks and Recreation Directory Listing Entry Form on the city’s website. Updates or corrections can be submitted through an online form.

Rather than operate its own recreation department, the city of Sonoma contracts with local nonprofit organizations to provide recreation and community services through the City Council-approved Recreation and Community Services Program (aka the Community Fund). These local providers deliver some of the services typically offered by city governments elsewhere. The directory is part of the city’s multiyear Recreation and Park Master Plan. It was created to connect the community to these organizations and the wide array of programs they offer.

“We will be providing this information to the public, along with a report from our consultants as to what other cities similar in size and demographics offer, as background for community input. Our next step will be an outreach to organizations and individuals who represent various sectors of our community, particularly those segments of our population who have traditionally been underserved, to learn how we can provide the broadest possible access to these resources and opportunities,” Page said. “We will also be seeking suggestions on possible new and/or expanded programs given that the City has additional funding for this purpose from Measure M.”

Visit this webpage at sonomacity.org/parks-and-recreation-directory for more information and to subscribe to receive recreation news and updates.

Reach the reporter, Dan Johnson, at daniel.johnson@sonomanews.com.