In the spirit of creating more equitable outdoor spaces, San Rafael’s future Canal Neighborhood Park has finally left the dream stages and stepped into reality. A once-disregarded boatyard at 620 Canal Street is being transformed, with the move being celebrated by local officials and community organizers alike. Spanning 1.65 acres along the waterfront, the site acquisition is a testament to community resilience and sustainability as it prepares to transform into an open-space hub for the area’s predominantly Latino population.
The deal was inked with the collaboration of the City of San Rafael, the Trust for Public Land, the County of Marin, and several local stakeholders focused on enriching community well-being. According to the City of San Rafael, Mayor Kate Colin beamed, “We are thrilled to be a major step closer to realizing community priorities that have been decades in the making,” underscoring the importance of support from various entities. With the wheels set in motion back in June, the local council had earmarked city funds to secure the property.
Marin County Supervisor Dennis Rodoni echoed the enthusiasm, nodding to the vision of creating healthier, more inclusive spaces. “The acquisition of 620 Canal Street marks a significant step towards building a healthier and more connected Marin,” Rodoni told the City of San Rafael. He emphasized the collaborative spirit being the bedrock of this initiative, aiming to guarantee access to essential recreational spaces and waterfront vistas for all, and particularly for a neighborhood that has long faced disparities in such amenities.
Omar Carrera, CEO of Canal Alliance, lauded the development, signaling that years of advocacy had finally paid off. “This long-awaited project, prioritized by Canal families and leaders for decades, will redefine connectivity, expand opportunities both recreational and economic, and enhance community health and safety,” Carrera asserted to the City of San Rafael, underlining the transformative potential of the project for the Canal residents. The community’s role in steering the vision of the park stands as a testament to participatory urban development in action.