Partnership buoys Petaluma boat dock project

As one of only a handful of places for small watercraft to launch into the 14-mile Petaluma River, the makeshift dock at Petaluma’s Steamer Landing Park draws scores of eager paddlers, despite its steep, rutted steps and tight quarters.

With small-craft boating now a common form of recreation in Petaluma, the nonprofit Friends of the Petaluma River that manages the dock at Steamer Landing is looking to replace the temporary facility with a souped-up launch. Proponents of the $300,000 project described it as a sorely needed boost to river access in Petaluma, one that brings the park closer to the city’s long-term vision for the grassy McNear Peninsula.

“We’re looking to create something that’s permanent here, that’s ADA compliant, where we can welcome everybody from the community and get them out on a boat,” said Stephanie Bastianon, executive director of Friends of the Petaluma River.

Located in the shadow of the David Yearsley River Heritage Center - a historic structure that the nonprofit has rehabilitated over several years - the makeshift docks are often a buzz of activity during the group’s free “Boating at the Barn” events. Held each Sunday, the gatherings pair participants up with various Friends-owned watercraft for an intimate look at the natural beauty of the marshy waterway.

While the dock serves an important purpose by allowing boaters to walk out to and launch from the deeper waters in the middle of the river channel, Bastianon said the facility’s creature comforts are disproportionate to its popularity.

“The ease of use would just be a revolution,” she said of a possible new launch. “Right now we have these steps people are going down to access the dock, and it’s kind of got these weird angles, so bringing a 15-foot boat down, you really got to keep your eyes out so you don’t slip and fall in.”

The Petaluma City Council on Monday signed off on their authorization to allow Friends of the Petaluma River to seek a $150,000 grant from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District on the city’s behalf, the latest artifact in a long-running partnership between the nonprofit and the city over development and operation of Steamer Landing.

The remaining money would come from fundraising over the next few years, including from the annual Rivertown Revival event, Bastianon said. If the grant request is successful, construction could begin as soon as the fall of 2017.

Petaluma city planners have long viewed the 31.5-acre McNear peninsula as a high-priority site for development of a new public park and a permanent small boat launch, goals that were set forth 20 years ago in the city’s 1996 River Access Plan. Long used for livestock grazing, the grassy peninsula juts 3,200 feet out into the Petaluma River while offering panoramic views of natural and historic features just south of the city’s downtown.

Petaluma acquired 10 acres of land at the base of the peninsula to create Steamer Landing in 2005, and entered into a partnership with Friends of the Petaluma River to improve and operate the park in 2009. The remaining peninsula, while undeveloped, remains in private hands.

“We’re not always in a position to be able to pursue opportunities, but if we can partner with nonprofits that have interest in similar projects, then we can leverage our skills and abilities,” said Scott Brodhun, Petaluma’s assistant city manager.

Brodhun described the city’s relationship with the Petaluma Small Craft Center as another nonprofit partnership centered on improving access to the river. The group is working to raise funds to design, build and ultimately operate a floating small boat rental facility at the downtown turning basin.

After receiving $180,000 toward the effort from the San Francisco Bay Water Trail, the group is approximately a quarter of the way toward the estimated $800,000 it needs to build the floathouse and a related public restroom on the shore, said Greg Sabourin, executive director. The Petaluma Small Craft Center expects to launch a capital campaign in May to raise money for the remaining costs, with a goal to begin construction by September.

The group submitted a letter in support of the Friends of the Petaluma River’s grant request, he said.

“We wrote a letter of support for their grant, because anything that improves more docks, more river access, gets us closer to that ‘river trail’ we want,” he said. “If they start at the floathouse and rent a boat, we’d love to send them over to the David Yearsley River Heritage Center. If there’s good docks, they can get out, maybe bring a picnic lunch, maybe take advantage of one of their camps, and then paddle to the next stop and stretch their legs.”

While no firm plans are currently in place, Brodhun, the assistant city manager, said the city’s goal is to eventually own all of the McNear Peninsula.

“Acquisition of the remainder of the peninsula is a high priority open space acquisition priority for the city,” he said. “We see this property as a jewel to the community, not only for river access, but for other uses.”

(Contact Eric Gneckow at eric.gneckow@arguscourier.com. On Twitter @Eric_Reports.)