Helen Putnam Renovation

What & Why?

Helen Putnam Regional Park is an older park (officially dedicated in 1985) in need of infrastructure, resource management, user experience, and aesthetic improvements.

 The renovation includes:

• improving trails for all-season use
• trailhead staging area enhancements
• wildflower and oak regeneration management
• way-finding and interpretive signage development
• access improvements

Trail improvements to Pomo, Filaree, Pond, Yarrow, Panorama, Arroyo, and South Loop Trails are complete. Pond restoration planting was completed in spring 2020, the pond trail and fishing landings completed in 2023, and the new footbridge in 2024. All new park signage in addition to two new interpretive sign panels were also installed. Trail hardening improvements to Ridge, Arroyo and Savannah Trails were completed in 2025.

What's Next?

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Sonoma County Parks Foundation and the generosity of a caring donor, the park has received the offer of a $80,000 Challenge Grant, meaning smaller donation support will go twice as far.

Work planned for the funds includes the improvement of all-weather trails by continuing to reinforce storm-damaged sections, reducing erosion, and creating safer conditions for users.

Remember the 60-foot-wide trail on the hillside above the Chileno Valley Road parking lot before the addition of the "Stairway to Helen" steps? The stairway was designed and installed to stop the erosion and trail spreading that was caused by users trying to safely navigate the slippery slopes. Unfortunately, over time, the new trail steps have widened as users are walking next to the steps instead of on them. A split rail fence will be installed along the trail to keep the slope from being scarred again.

We are also planning a new trail with bridge to the future expanded park at Scott Ranch.

Look for Trail Workday Volunteer opportunities from the Sonoma County Parks Foundation and the Redwood Trails Alliance. We thank you for your support.