The City of Sonoma has officially established its first-ever Parks and Recreation Department, with Dave Jahns named as its inaugural director.
According to the Sonoma Index-Tribune, the new department, funded by the Measure T sales tax, is the culmination of years of community advocacy. The department will oversee 19 parks and 80 acres of land, a move that officials say will allow the Public Works Department to focus on core duties.
Beyond just recreation, community leaders and Jahns himself see the new department as vital for public health, environmental resilience, and the overall well-being of the city.