Creating parks where everyone feels welcome 

Sonoma County Regional Parks believes everyone should feel they belong in our parks, whether they come to explore the outdoors, join a program or work here every day. Belonging means people feel safe, respected and able to participate fully. It means visitors see their communities reflected in our parks and staff feel supported to grow, share ideas and bring their whole selves to work.

Our commitment to belonging comes from Regional Parks' core values: innovation, equity, inclusion, sustainability, accessibility and accountability. It also reflects what we heard directly from community members throughout Sonoma County about what helps them feel welcome in parks and what can get in the way.

The Belonging Framework is Regional Parks' long-term equity and accessibility roadmap. It guides how we design parks, shape programs, collaborate with communities and support our staff. Most importantly, it helps us build a park system where everyone, especially those who have been historically excluded, can access, enjoy and shape outdoor spaces.

How this framework was created

Drawing upon an already strong foundation, the Belonging Framework grew from months of listening, learning and partnering with the community, organizations and established groups. We worked closely with a “Community Advisory Team” made up of stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences of exclusion or disability. Their insight, along with bilingual surveys, focus groups and interviews, shaped every part of this work.

Community voices made clear that belonging doesn’t happen automatically. It grows from thoughtful design, clear communication, meaningful engagement and supportive relationships inside the organization, with partners and with the public.

This framework brings these ideas together into four focus areas that will guide our efforts:

• Equity and Access
• Investment and Maintenance
• Engagement and Recreation
• Evaluation and Learning 

Each focus area includes commitments and examples of the work you will see happening across Sonoma County’s parks.

Core principles

These principles guide how we build a culture of belonging in our parks and within our teams.

Working together

Everyone has a role in creating welcoming parks. Staff, volunteers, partners and community members all contribute to an environment where people feel included and supported.

Meeting people where they are

Different communities face different barriers. Instead of using one-size-fits-all solutions, we tailor approaches so everyone can benefit from parks in ways that meet their needs and no one is left behind.

Addressing root causes

To create lasting belonging, we look beyond surface-level fixes and work to change the systems, policies and practices that have made access unequal or have left people feeling unwelcome.

Being transparent and accountable

We commit to sharing our goals, progress and challenges openly. This builds trust and helps our community understand how and why decisions are made.

Learning and improving over time

Belonging is ongoing work. We gather feedback, try new approaches, celebrate progress and adjust when needed. Each step strengthens our parks community.

Four focus areas

The Belonging Framework is divided into the following four focus areas: 

Equity and Access

Creating parks where everyone can participate 
Belonging starts with making sure everyone can enjoy our parks — no matter their background, language or physical ability. This focus area centers on removing barriers, improving access and building a park culture where people feel recognized and supported.

Our goals

• Make our parks, programs and communications easier for everyone to use.
• Embed equity and inclusion into everyday work rather than treating them as separate initiatives. 

Putting Equity and Access into action

• Designing parks and programs that work for everyone
  We will continue improving trails, signs, facilities and programs so they are easier to navigate and enjoy. We will follow accessibility assessments, offer clear information about accessible features and involve people with disabilities and diverse backgrounds in design reviews.
• Removing barriers that make it hard to visit or participate
  Through surveys, focus groups and direct feedback, we will identify physical, policy and attitudinal barriers. Staff will receive training on disability awareness and inclusive customer service, and we will expand access to tools and equipment that help visitors enjoy the parks.
• Staying connected with community voices
  The Community Advisory Team will meet regularly with staff to share experiences and help guide improvements.
• Creating spaces for staff to learn and grow together
  We will offer learning opportunities and “Brave Space” conversations where staff can reflect, ask questions and strengthen their understanding of inclusion and equity.
• Integrating equity into hiring, training and leadership
  We will work with the Sonoma County Office of Equity and Human Resources Department to incorporate equity into performance expectations, supervisor training and onboarding.
• Supporting a learning culture
  We will strengthen Regional Parks’ JEDAI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion) Core Team, offer resources to staff and use surveys to understand where improvements are needed.
• Tracking progress and encouraging innovation
  We will use feedback and data to assess progress, refine our approach and support creative ideas that help build belonging across the organization. 

Investment and Maintenance

Taking care of the parks we have and planning responsibly for the future 
Well-cared-for parks are safer, more accessible and more welcoming. This focus area ensures we have the resources to maintain existing facilities, make improvements and invest in upgrades that support community needs.

Our goal

• Ensure reliable, long-term funding that supports accessibility improvements, routine maintenance and upgrades across the park system.  

Putting Investment and Maintenance into action

• Using data to guide our investments 
  Using data from “The Portrait of Sonoma,” we will examine demographic data, community needs and visitor feedback to identify where improvements are most needed.
• Planning maintenance and upgrades thoughtfully
  We will update signs, trails and accessible features on a regular schedule and choose durable materials that offer long-term value.
• Bringing the right people to the table
  An Accessibility Field Team will help identify challenges, test equipment and guide decisions related to accessibility upgrades.
• Aligning budgets with community priorities
  Budget planning will include a review of accessibility needs across all divisions to ensure investments support belonging.
• Seeking additional funding
  We will continue pursuing grants, partnerships and other funding sources that help expand our capacity to improve parks. 

 Engagement and Recreation

Helping everyone feel welcome, informed and connected
Belonging grows when people see themselves reflected in park programs, feel invited to participate and have opportunities to shape their experiences. This focus area strengthens relationships, expands culturally relevant programming and encourages community involvement.  

Our goal

• Strengthen belonging by ensuring all community members feel welcome, informed and able to participate in park life.

Putting Engagement and Recreation into action

• Reaching more people in more ways
  We will share information through multilingual resources, bulletin boards, interpretation services, job fairs, in-person outreach and partnerships with local organizations.
• Offering programs that reflect Sonoma County’s diversity
  Every two years, we will ask community members what kinds of programs and events feel meaningful. Their input will shape festivals, guided outings, cultural celebrations and education programs.
• Designing programs with, not just for, the community
  We will gather input through surveys, interviews and accessible engagement tools when planning new parks or updating existing ones.
• Building relationships with tribal communities
  We will strengthen collaborations with tribal partners to increase culturally relevant programming and stewardship opportunities.
• Creating spaces for belonging
  We will encourage open conversations, highlight community stories and design programs that help visitors feel seen and valued.
• Improving how we listen and respond
  We will expand ways for visitors to share feedback and ensure staff have tools to respond quickly and effectively.
• Supporting staff growth and connection
  We will continue building our internal mentoring program to strengthen staff belonging and development. 

Evaluation and Learning

Staying accountable and improving over time
Belonging is not something we achieve once — it requires reflection, adjustment and continuous learning. This focus area helps us stay transparent and responsive as community needs evolve.

Our goal

• Ensure accountability, measure progress and use what we learn to strengthen daily operations and long-term planning.

Putting Evaluation and Learning into action

• Listening to community voices throughout the process
  Community members, especially those who have been historically excluded, will help shape our work and review our progress.
• Collecting feedback from staff and visitors
  We will regularly ask staff and visitors about their experiences to better understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Using data and stories to understand impact
  We will look at participation, improvements made, accessibility outcomes and personal stories to gain a full picture of our progress.
• Reviewing what we learn and adjusting
  Each year, we will assess successes and challenges and adjust our plans to support continued growth.
• Sharing what we learn
  We will provide updates so the community can see how their input shapes our work and where we are making progress.

Moving forward

Sonoma County Regional Parks stands at the threshold of transformative change, guided by a Belonging Framework that centers on equity, accessibility and the power of shared responsibility.

By fostering a culture where everyone is welcome, valued and empowered — from staff to visitors — we are committing to a future that honors diverse experiences and builds meaningful connections. Together, we embrace a journey toward true belonging, inspiring every individual to thrive and shaping community life in ways that endure for generations.

Belonging is something we build together. By investing in accessibility, strengthening community partnerships, supporting staff and listening with intention, Sonoma County Regional Parks is working toward a future where every person feels welcome, included and connected to the parks that make our county special. 

For more information

If you'd like more information on our Belonging Framework, please contact: 

Nubia Padilla
Accessibility and Equity Manager
Nubia.Padilla@sonomacounty.gov
Office Phone: 707 565-2883