Type: Municipal
Services: Landscape Architecture
Principal In Charge: Michael A. Cook, PLA
Client: City of Petaluma, Ron DeNicola, Parks Superintendent

Located on the border of a bustling downtown district and historical West Side neighborhoods of Petaluma, Walnut Park was first dedicated in 1969 and remains a popular place for families to congregate and play today.

Originally developed as a Vietnam War memorial, the park serves as a reminder of the locals of Petaluma who gave their lives in order to protect our freedom and way of life. The park had fallen into some disrepair over the years, so the Rotary Club of Petaluma approached the City of Petaluma and Michael Cook about renovating the community amenity to coincide with the club’s 90th anniversary. The City, nor Michael, hesitate to get involved as the designer, as he has many years of service with both the City and the Rotary organization.

Rotary’s goals and focus were refurbishing the park’s Victorian gazebo, adjacent landscape, and children’s play equipment. The firm designed a planting plan which specified appropriate plants, colors, and patterns to honor the Victorian style of the park and was integral in coordinating landscape materials and estimates for the renovation. The project grew into including the removal of asphalt walkways and placing of concrete pavers around the gazebo. Rotary held a widely attended community celebration for the rededication of the park and the Club’s 90th anniversary in Petaluma in 2013.