Maxwell Farms Regional Park’s first phase of renovation complete with new sports fields, parking, accessibility improvements

Sonoma County Regional Parks has completed a first phase of renovations at Maxwell Farms Regional Park, a favorite destination for families and  sports leagues in the Boyes Hot Springs area near Sonoma.

Updates include all-weather baseball, soccer and lacrosse fields for year-round playability; new buildings for restrooms and future concessions; and expanded parking with more ADA-accessible spaces and new EV charging stations. Visitors of all abilities can now access the sports fields, playground, picnic areas and spectator seating via ADA-accessible pathways. 

The renovations are part of the 82-acre park's "master plan," the long-term planning document that prioritizes the creation of high-quality sports facilities, improved safety and accessibility and enhancing the overall park experience for all visitors.

“This project showcases the County's commitment to health and sustainability,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Parks are vital community assets, and these improvements will support the diverse needs of the Springs and Sonoma community, offering enhanced spaces for recreation, gathering and enjoyment.”

The new sports fields feature artificial turf, a stormwater catchment system and modern irrigation, significantly reducing water use and the maintenance and safety issues of the previous grass fields – such as ankle-twisting gopher holes. Other safety enhancements include new parking lot lighting, a signalized pedestrian crosswalk on Verano Avenue and a redesigned main entrance that improves access for emergency vehicles, buses and drop-offs and pickups at the Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley within the park.

“I’m thrilled to see the remarkable transformation of Maxwell Farms Regional Park, and I am looking forward to what’s coming in the near future,” said Supervisor Susan Gorin, whose District 1 includes the Boyes Hot Springs area. “These upgrades bring new life to our beloved park, and I'm especially excited about the improved accessibility for all residents. The inspiration for the Maxwell Farms renovations really rests with the success of Nikita Duccaroz. BMX freestyling was her success as a young woman; she found her passion and her mother wanted a pump track in the park to serve as a place for other young folks to find their passions. And this summer, Nikita competed in the Olympics for Switzerland.”

Planning and fundraising are underway for a second phase of park improvements that will include a bicycle and scooter pump track, a renovated skatepark, new pickleball courts and renovations for backcountry trails. 

Maxwell Farms Regional Park, developed in 1988, has long been a recreation hub for Sonoma Valley residents. The 2019 update to the park’s master plan – the document that guides the development of trails, recreational and educational uses and stewardship of natural resources – addressed the needs of a growing population and changing demographics, deferred maintenance and the loss of a nearby local ball field. The park’s redesign aims to meet increasing use demands while preserving the natural resources and habitat along Sonoma Creek.

Construction on the first phase began in fall 2022, following a' $3 million allocation by the Board of Supervisors. Completed Phase 1 construction totals $9.3 million. Other funding sources include state grants ($2.5 million), local Parks For All –  Measure M sales tax revenue ($2.7 million), Sonoma Valley park mitigation fees ($267,000), disabled access improvements funds ($187,000), and the Sonoma County Parks Foundation ($180,000). Construction on the second phase will begin when funding for those improvements is secured.

“Maxwell Farms has entered a new era thanks to the many years of hard work, community support and leadership,” said Bert Whitaker, director of Sonoma County Regional Parks. “The efforts we've put in over the past decades are now paying off, and the current upgrades set the stage for even more exciting developments in the future."

Maxwell Farms Regional Park is at 100 Verano Ave. in Sonoma. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. For more information, visit parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/maxwell-farms-regional-park.

For detailed information about the park's master plan, visit: parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/learn/planning-projects/project-directory/all-active-projects/maxwell-farms-master-plan.

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EDITORS: High resolution photos available at share.sonoma-county.org/link/5yihpMOgOmo/. Videos available in English: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZi6dbUXVY and Spanish: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_RcCwswhRE.

Contact Information:  
Sarah Phelps, Marketing Specialist 
Sonoma County Regional Parks
Sarah.Phelps@sonoma-county.org 
(707) 331-9027 

Sonoma County Regional Parks provides essential opportunities for people to connect with nature. Regional Parks contributes to the vibrancy and well-being of our community by expanding access to recreation experiences, serving as responsible stewards of cultural and natural resources and ensuring that our parks are clean, safe and welcoming. Learn more at SonomaCountyParks.org.