Taylor Mountain Natural Play Area - Background

The Natural Play Area project was originally envisioned in the Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve Master Plan, completed June 2012. The site of the Natural Play Area, known at the Red Tail Play Area, is located at the Petaluma Hill Road entrance to Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, and situated adjacent to the trailhead at the north end of the parking area. The play area is inspired by the surrounding natural landscape and uses landform, vegetation, and features constructed predominately of natural materials to create a diverse and exciting environment for children to explore, and engage in physical activity while fostering a connection to the natural world.

The sloping site is organized into terraces with an accessible pathway, or mini trail, providing access to various play elements situated on each level. Play features include log and boulder climbers, a basket swing, large embankment slide and an interactive red tail hawk nest with super-sized egg sculptures. The site includes benches and picnic tables, with views of the more expansive park and open space preserve, as well as the valley landscape that extends to the west.

Sonoma County Regional Parks partnered with The Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation to create this play area with funding contributed by the Finley Foundation, Sonoma Vintners Foundation, Whole Foods Market, Jackson Family Enterprises, PG&E, Recology, and a number of generous individual donors. Additional funding was provided by the State of California Proposition 84, and Sonoma County's Parks for All—Measure M sales tax.