Park Development Concept

The images below represent the subtle evolution of our park design, which has benefited from myriad inputs by the several agencies and individuals involved in the review and evaluation process that is leading us to use permit authorization by the County. These agency reviews and inputs include those such as from the California Department of Transportation, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, the Army Corps of Engineers, and our local fire department and water district. Funding from our local quarries was key to getting this far.

Ken Smith and Michael Cuoio created the conceptual design. Landscape architect Gary Balcerak refined the site design concept. Retired architect Ken Smith designed the restroom-storage building and stage designs.

Park Development Concept

Click on the below image to view much larger. Then pull your browser window wider to examine details.

Forestville Downtown Oaks Site Plan

The above site plan captures the overall design concept, including the new bus stop location and turnout, the fire department’s requested hammerhead turn-around for emergency vehicles, and a modification to the stage which has mitigated the propagation of amplified speech and music.

Site Plan Sections

The above shows a more detailed rendering of the two proposed building structures, i.e., the restroom/storage facility and the stage facing the amphitheater-like seating area.

Photoshop Rendering for the Stage Structure

The above is a photoshopped image of the stage as the design team has envisioned it with seating to be in the shaded areas.

Oaks Park Wall Rendering

Photoshop rendering of front view.
The Sonoma County Open Space District requires that the parking area be partially shielded from view while allowing for a generous view of the oak trees and the open space view beyond. The wall design was inspired by the historic Forestville Inn (see below).

Forestville Inn

The historic Forestville Inn is the inspiration for the stucco wall that helps to shield the parking area.

Forestville Methodist Church

The Forestville Methodist Church cupola inspired the Restroom building design.

It is hoped that moon and sun artwork at the cupola of the restroom-storage building will bring a moment of delight for those entering the oak woodland park setting.

See more photos of the park’s progress over the years on the Park Background & December 2021 Status Update page.