PETALUMA RIVER PARK CONCEPT PLAN
placemaking
about the project
Kimzin Creative designed a wide range of culturally responsive arts engagements to gather input from communities historically excluded from placemaking.
This community-driven approach informed the design, programming, and operations of the Petaluma River Park—a new 35-acre riverfront park that connects people, art, and nature. Central to this process are 15 “Community Park Designers”—individuals nominated by their communities to work alongside the foundation and design team, co-creating the final vision for the park. Through multilingual workshops, coloring books, original music videos, concerts, murals, and installations Kimzin Creative facilitated the gathering of stories, values, and visions, ensuring the park reflects the diverse voices it aims to serve. Insights from these engagements were woven into the design and shared through public art, empowering participants to become long-term stewards of the space. For more information, check out the final concept plan here.
project team
artists
Petaluma River Park Foundation, CMG Landscape Architecture, Prunuske Chatham, Inc.
Kayatta, Blanca Molina, Erika Lutz, Briona Hendren, James Dallara, D’Juan Brundidge, Raizes Collective: Martín Zuniga, Lucero Vargas, Edilia Mendez, and Irma Rodriguez.
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"Nikko and Danny from Kimzin Creative are taking the playbook of eliciting community input on civic projects and making it nourishing, colorful, joyful, true, and responsive.
It is a unique and beautiful approach that inspires connection and belonging between and among the organization and the participants, setting the stage for long term relationships. Key to the process is that the organization is committed to being responsive to the community and is prepared for the unexpected - Kimzin Creative is along for the ride and facilitates even the most difficult interactions with respect, relevant insights, and love. Supporters of our project have been blown away by the deep and authentic engagement that Kimzin Creative facilitated, and similar projects are knocking on our door seeking to learn from the new, very cool, very fun playbook.”
—Marge Limbert, Development Director, Petaluma River Park Foundation
"As someone who has championed the value of parks at the local, state, and federal levels, I am inspired by the Petaluma River Park project."
It brings people together with our waterways to build community and lasting public benefits, and the heart of its success is genuinely centered in connection and love. The vision for the Petaluma River Park is an exemplar to other parks in our state with its community-led design process and its foresighted blend of nature, community, and art.”
—Armando Quintero, Director, California State Parks
