Poll respondents want Tolay Lake Park open

A majority of respondents in an online Argus-Courier poll said they would use Tolay Lake Regional Park, if it was open to the public today. The park remains open only on a limited basis, while the planning process, now more than a decade long, continues.

More than 70 percent said they would like to be able to use the park without restrictions.

Here are some comments:

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“A ridiculous amount of time and energy have been spent on this issue. If it’s the people’s park, we should be accessing it. How long has this been dragging on?”

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“Don’t understand why the county is not buying properties on Sonoma Mountain that is so much closer to all us southern Sonoma county residents and turned into a hiking, biking destination. Tolay is a 10-mile ride and pretty much out of touch.”

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“Getting a tour of the White House is easier than getting into Tolay.”

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“I’d be even more inclined to use it if there were safer access from Lakeville Highway.”

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“I can’t wait to see the park.”

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“I use it already on the weekends. It is easy to get a weekend pass. Just go online to the Regional Parks’ website under “Tolay Lake.” There is an online application.”

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“I went there once and that was more than enough. Tolay is boring. It’s mostly used up pasture. There are hardly any trees except for near the creek. The much lauded views are a joke. Tolay is nothing but a white elephant that the county paid far more than what it is worth. And the beautiful hills overlooking Petaluma remain closed off to the public.”

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“Open it now. Public money for a private space is corruption, plain and simple.”

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“Should be open to public. Who owns the land? Tax payers.”

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“Tolay is a beautiful park. I would love to visit it regularly.”

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“We’ve been using the park already on a limited basis, just weekends at this point, after completing the park orientation.”

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“You bet. Incredibly beautiful and a key part of our regional parks. Can’t wait to see how things turned out.”

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“What is Tolay?”

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“I already do use it. Great park and great history. Come on people, get outside.”

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“I don’t even know where it is. ”

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“It’s got nice views, but otherwise not very interesting landscape. And this is purported to be the county’s south county park for Petaluma.”

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“I’m proud to be part of the second educational class that was provided permits several years ago. I’m up there monthly on average. Great hiking in any weather.”

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“Too old to go. Sounds great for younger people.”

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“I thought it was open?”

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“What’s the hold up? Why can’t they open it?

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