The City of Healdsburg is located in Sonoma County, approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco, situated along the Russian River, at the confluence of three valleys: Dry Creek, Alexander, and Russian River. The region is characterized by a moderate climate, rich alluvial soils, and abundant natural resources. Healdsburg’s history is intimately tied to its natural abundance, afforded by the fertile alluvial deposits of the Russian River and a moderate climate. A mix of Oak grasslands, forest, and riparian habitats have long afforded the region abundant agriculture, viticulture, recreation, and even gravel mining.

The City operates over 350 acres of open space preserves and public parks. Fletcher Studio was selected by the City of Healdsburg to develop a comprehensive open space and connectivity master plan for the City’s parks, open spaces, and natural resources with a particular emphasis on green modes of transportation and safety.

Further, an inter-agency team comprised of City and County agencies, along with hydrologists, ecologists, and key stakeholders, are developing an access plan for the Russian River in Healdsburg with focuses on restoring native habitat, reducing flooding risk, and enhancing people’s understanding of and engagement with the River.

Connectivity, Community, and Resilience

Connectivity

In 2018, Healdsburg’s City Council resolved to identify ways to enhance connectivity throughout the city with a particular focus on open spaces, schools, parks, and the Russian River. Through a community-based process, collaborative mapping, community bike rides, and transit analysis, ourteam isassessing a series of short, medium, and long-term goals ranging from additions of crosswalks and signage, to formalizing and enhancing bikeways, as well as looking at regional connectivity.