Tolay Lake Regional Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Tolay Lake Regional Park?

A. Tolay Lake (formerly the Cardoza Ranch) is the newest acquisition to the Sonoma County Regional Park system, which consists of 1,737 acres of farm and grasslands, ridges, a freshwater lake, ponds, wetlands, and many other natural resources. The park also contains a wealth of cultural and historical resources, with human activity on the property known to span for more than 8,000 years.

Q. Will the pumpkin patch and festival continue?

A. The pumpkin festival will continue in the form of a “Tolay Fall Festival” featuring pumpkin sales, hay wagon rides and kids activities planned for October 8,9,10,11,15,16,17 and 18, 2009.

Q. When will the park be open?

A. The Interim Public Access plan goes into effect September 18, 2009 (see below).

Q. Will the public be allowed to visit the park before it opens?

A. The Docent guided tours of Tolay Lake Regional Park have been offered twice montly since early 2006. These tours have been replaced by the Day Use Permit Program which allows the public to visit the park while the Master Plan is still being developed.

Q. What are the next steps in developing the park?

A. The Sonoma County Regional Parks Department invites all interested individuals, groups, neighbors, non-profits and other agencies to participate in the development of a Master Plan. There will continue to be a series of public meetings and workshops to provide valuable input into what should and shouldn’t be included in the Master Plan. The plan will be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act and the conservation easements held by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District, State Coastal Conservancy, and Wildlife Conservation Board.

Q. Are there plans for a museum at the park?

A. A disabled-accessible interpretive center, featuring the rich cultural, agricultural and natural history of this site and region will be a likely feature of the park.

Q. What will happen to the Lake?

A. Restoration of Tolay Lake will occur to ensure natural and cultural resource protection with compatible public access, consistent with the conservation easements. Tolay Lake will not be restored to its full historic size due to the impacts on adjacent properties.

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