Graton Town Square gets county funding
Board of Supervisors approves funding to support the acquisition of land for a town square in downtown Graton
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has approved $283,600 in funding to support the acquisition of 9155 Graton Road as the future site of the Graton Town Square. The Board allocated $253,600 from District 5 Infrastructure funds and $30,000 from the County's Tourism Impact Fund to make the down payment and begin pre-development activities on the slightly more than half-acre parcel next to Underwood restaurant on Graton’s main drag.
The funds will be administered by the Graton Community Services District.
“Dedicating District 5 infrastructure funds to support the Community Services District’s vision for a vibrant town square is an investment in community and enhances the quality of life for Graton residents and visitors alike,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins.
Long-time locals are equally excited for this next chapter.
“A town square for community events, markets, and social activities will provide a much-needed public space, the heart of Graton. A place where events, such as Graton Day, can flourish,” said John Nagle, a 30-year Graton resident.
The Graton Community Services District, which also runs Graton’s sewer system, said the acquisition funding will be entirely separate from sewer ratepayer funds. The district will continue grant writing and fundraising from public and private sources in the coming years to support the town square's development.
Starting in January 2024, the district will launch a series of public meetings to inform a visioning and design process for the town square. Community input will help shape the phased build-out of the parcel. Graton Community Services District is committed to opening the town square for initial public use no later than November 2024.
“We are as excited as the rest of the community to start using the town square, and we are committed to deep collaboration with our community to design and develop the site in the best possible way,” said Graton Community Services District’s Town Square Committee board members Jennifer Butler and Maxwell Wilmarth in a joint statement.
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This article is a slightly edited press release from the Graton Community Services District.