The Solano Land Trust team poses near a fundraising thermometer at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park in Fairfield, slated to open later this year. The park fund embraces every contribution, as the open space is slated to be open to all — all ages and all abilities. (Photo by Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter)
Do you want trails? Wildflowers? Picnics with views?
The perfect spot is in Fairfield, Solano Land Trust folks advised Wednesday morning, and your help is needed as the organization slides into the home stretch in readying the green space to open later this year.
“We are in our final push,” Nicole Braddock, executive director, advised the group gathered at the base of Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park on Rockville Road, where a faux fundraising thermometer had been installed. “Every amount helps.”
The former Rockville Trails Preserve, since renamed by the Council of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, whom officials said descend from the Patwin people, features 1,500 acres of rolling hills and verdant landscapes.
The emerald and gold foliage glistened in the morning light, offering a peek of nature at its finest.
As officials tell it, the Land Trust bought the property around 2011-12 and began a decades-long plan on how to manage the land and its wealth of natural resources. Next came talks on hopes for the park and how to make them a reality.
“This is a park for everyone,” Braddock said, explaining .6-mile “all-people’s trail” for people of all abilities.
“You can push a wheelchair to the top,” she emphasized.
Differently-abled people will also be able to remain independent, officials said, and make their own way to the top should they not want assistance.
There will be an ADA-accessible native plant garden, lots of spots to rest, ADA-accessible bathrooms, hydration stations, a visitor center, fencing, a shade structure and an expansive lot where buses, horse trailers and even mountain bikes can park.
A big metal oak tree created by Ken and Jill Hunter will be a feature.
Dennis Wells, who crafted the thermometer, said mini waterfalls and vernal pools are attractions during wintertime and on Wednesday, wildflowers were abundant.
The Solano Land Trust is also working with the Solano County Office of Education regarding potential curriculum needs for potential student programs.
Michelle Clark, donor relations officer, pointed out that many trails are named in the Patwin language, and that there will be a way where visitors can not only read the name, buy hear how it’s pronounced in that language.
The park is all about history and culture, she said, and the Land Trust truly aims to honor the original caretakers of the land.
The total cost to open the park is $6 million, officials said, with an estimated $2.6 million still needed. Large donors include Syar, which gave $100,000, and Coastal Conservancy, which contributed $400,000.
The Land Trust is anticipating a $287,000 donation from the Solano County Orderly Growth Committee.
More efforts are planned, including bringing the community into the conversation.
This park, officials said, will be open to all. The community’s help is needed for that to happen.
Individual donations of any amount are welcomed, and group and business sponsorships are available.
There will also be opportunities to name parts of the park, like benches, for loved ones, officials said.
“I’m super excited about it,” shared Laura Livadas, development manager. “We need all the support we can get.”
Yard signs leading to the fundraiser will be placed along Rockville Road.
For more information on the park and docent-led tours and other activities, visit
To donate, visit