From: Lynne Nourse
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] MLK, Jr Park
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 4:38:55 PM
Dear Mr. Donte Watson,
I am writing to you about my thoughts concerning the refurbishment of MLK Jr. Park in Southpark. I have been involved, as a concerned citizen, for two years. Mostly as a participant with the Southpark Coalition.
My main point: do NOT cut down ANY trees. If the plans need to be rearranged to accommodate the trees, please do not hesitate. We are at an everyday hazardous level of toxins in the air. All trees help with the detoxification. Leave them all standing.
2nd point. The "Newhall" trail aka Pomo Trail, needs to be improved ASAP for the literal improvement of all of our community. It is, literally, a run down dumping zone and toxic the entire length of the trail. Once care is shown, the people will follow. Proven fact. Also, the name change needs to be incorporated sooner rather than later.
Nobody is in tune with the old
name. Lets show some respect for the original peoples of this land.
Thank you very much.
Lynne Nourse
From: Bolla, Rhonda
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] MLK Park Renovation meeting on Tuesday Date: Friday, February 6, 2026 11:03:21 AM
From: Gail Seymour <
Sent: Thursday, February 5, 2026 4:27 PM
To: Ander, Emily <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] MLK Park Renovation meeting on Tuesday
Hi Emily,
Hope all is going well. I’m sure you’re as busy as ever.
Prior to Tuesday's meeting, the South Park Neighborhood Coalition and the NAACP- Sonoma County Branch Environmental and Climate Justice Committee wish to obtain and review the following:
The total amount of funding available for the construction of the north side of the park ( $8.5 Million ?). How much of that total
is from the State grant ?
The timeline of when the funds must be spent.
Anticipated construction start and end
The actual construction budget with line items and detail even if in draft.
What features will actually be constructed/ installed/repaired ? We would like to see the
design alternative that was selected by the community at the last public meeting. If the entire construction budget is being spent exclusively on the north side (minus the soccer field and Newhall Trail), shouldn’t all the amenities be constructed per the selected alternative design and perhaps more ?
How many mature trees have been removed ? Is the City planning on removing more ?
What is the plan for additional/upgraded parking adjacent to the park ?
The type, quantity, and location of lighting for safety.
Considering the recent gun violence that resulted in severe injuries to a young person using the park and trying to escape via Newhall Trail, is there any discussion about securing extra funding to
renovate Newhall Trail with safety lighting and general
upgrades to reduce loitering and violent activity ? (additional funding above the state grant funding).
Please let me know how we can obtain the requested info by COB Monday.
Thank you for all your work on this project.
Gail Seymour, NAACP
From: [email protected]
To: City Council Public Comments
Cc: Ander, Emily
Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Council Mtg 2-10-26, Agenda Item 16.1 Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026 6:08:15 PM
Hello,
We are very excited for the new changes coming to Martin Luther King Jr Park.
From the outset, residents have asked for increased lighting to improve safety— especially on the South side of the park with the soccer field. This is where most of the criminal activity has occurred. From the designs presented, it is not clear what type of lighting will be used or where it will be placed.
While updates to the side of the park with the soccer field are on hold pending future funding, we want to ensure this half of the park is not left unaddressed lighting wise during this first round. It is too important for the safety of our park and residents. The type of lighting selected and its placement should focus on safety concerns to deter
crime.
Thank you,
Annette Arnold
South Park Coalition