FAIRFIELD — Nearly a year after the Solano Land Trust planted its centerpiece sculpture at the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, the group was back out to celebrate those who made it possible.
But not just the metal oak tree – the park as a whole.
"It was a long time coming; it's been a long haul," said Steve Pressley, chairman of the Land Trust board of directors and a 13-year volunteer.
"It's been a challenge."
The park is a cross between coastal woodlands and valley woodlands.
It is unique in a lot of ways, and holds great meaning to the native populations who lived in the area, the Patwin people of the Wintun tribe.
"There are actually some areas way in the back that are very sensitive with them, so we don't have trails back that go there," Pressley said.
Surrounding the tree, which will have more branches and leaves added in the future, are three rocks, each with a plaque.
The rocks, of course, were found in the park and brought to the visitors staging area.
The first plaque tells the story of the park. The second plaque is a homage to the Heritage Oak Society, which has played a critical role in the development of the park, and a number of members of which attended Wednesday's event.
The third plaque lists those sponsors who have donated $200,000 or more to the Land Trust for the park.
Pressley, who originally volunteered as a docent for the Land Trust parks, said one of the things he has most enjoyed is bringing residents from the Solano cities to enjoy the open spaces – especially those who are rooted in the urban environments.
"I love it. It is all about building new sponsors," he said.
Of course the Land Trust is always looking for an infusion of new money, but that is not what Pressley was exclusively talking about when he said sponsors.
He said those people come out, see the park, and whether they donate financially or not, they return home to tell everyone what a great place it is, and encourage others to go see for themselves.
It is the final product of a vision that started with just wanting to preserve the land that was marked for residential development.
"It is a quality of life issue," said Pressley, adding it is something that will be passed down from one generation to the next.
Laura Livadas, the development director for the Land Trust, said there have been 3,000 visitors to the park since it opened in August. That has generated about $14,000 in revenue.
The tree was designed by Ken Hunter, who then helped the primary artist, Dave George, construct the sculpture. It was planted on July 16, 2024.
George said he plans to add more branches, leaves and acorns to the creation, but he has to wait for a time of year when there is less wind and it is safer to weld.
The site also has a gazebo-like structure with a host of informational pieces.
Among them is one that offers visitors ideas of other places they can go to in the area after they have finished their hikes.
Additionally, Pressley said the Land Trust is working with Fairfield to find a way to combine Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park with the city's Rockville Hills park right down the road.
Here's a link to the original article in the Daily Republic:
https://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/patwinos-history-is-building-to-expanded-future/article_5a20be1e-44aa-49cd-9dc2-84e2adee021f.html
