A RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR A PARK DOWNTOWN…
A Gateway Project for Continued Community Improvements
Revitalizes the Downtown Commercial Corridor in El Sobrante
Secures Access for Restoration & Protection of San Pablo Creek
This architectural rendering shows how the Mowery Property at 4001 & 4011 San Pablo Dam Road could be transformed into a Creekside Community Park. View details of what is possible!
Project Updates
As of fall 2024, Grand Prix Express Car Wash owns the former “Mowery Property” at 4001 & 4011 San Pablo Dam Rd. with the intention to expand the car wash. However, new auto uses are not permitted on San Pablo Dam Rd.
In partnership with Supervisor Joh Gioia, we are exploring options for acquiring part of the property to include multi-family housing, parking, and a dedication of the back of the property to the County as a community benefit in lieu of park fees. The dedicated park portion of the property would include some of the upper flat area for a playground, as well as the secluded but steep back portion leading to the creek. The design of this would be open to community feedback. We'll need your input!
It's a long road ahead, but there is a path forward to seeing a community creekside park along San Pablo Dam Rd. at this gem of a location. We will need YOUR help to support and provide vision for this effort!
This aerial view of the Mowery Property at 4001 & 4011 San Pablo Dam Road shows its location in downtown El Sobrante, CA.
Background
The vacant gas station on San Pablo Dam Rd. has been an eyesore for years. When the property went up for sale, C4AGES advocated for its use as a community creek side park. We envisioned a cafe in the old gas station, playground areas and dedicated dog park areas, and a boardwalk along the creek. In 2022, a working group to explore a ballot measure to secure a park in El Sobrante was reconvened. The working group included Supervisor Gioia, C4AGES, and other local stakeholders and community group representatives.
When the property was purchased by the neighboring car wash, a new path forward emerged.
Initial Community vision for the property
This is how the gas station looks today.
This is an architectural vision of how the gas station can be transformed into a coffee house for the Creekside Community Park.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The proposed site for the Downtown Community Park is a 1.5 acre parcel for sale, located at 4001 & 4011 San Pablo Dam Road (known as the “Mowery Property”) in the core of downtown El Sobrante. Its deep configuration abuts San Pablo Creek, giving access for restoration and protection and the beginning of a boardwalk. Due to its configuration, soon after entering the property the sounds from 30,000 vehicles a day abate for a tranquil tree-populated setting so close to home.
FORMER GAS STATION & REMAINS The gas station has a clean bill of health from the State of California. That certificate is part of the seller's disclosure package. The tanks were removed many years ago.
DUMPING There were truckloads of concrete rubble and dirt from an unknown source, dumped on the property over a year ago. There are concerns that it might be toxic. To know its contents, the soil will need to be analyzed for contaminants. It may pose a hazard and have to be removed, or it may be all right. The shape it is now in (as a berm) actually adds to the privacy and screening between the Elks Lodge neighbor and the Mowery property line.
HOMELESS CONCERNS A community forum will address these concerns and develop solutions. It will become a part of the planning and design process of the park. Some ideas include a perimeter fence with locking gates, added security, a full time gardener and possibly one who resides on the property. Studies show that homeless individuals retreat when a community cares and stays invested and active within its environment. Beautification also helps.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TODAY!
MAKE A DONATION
Pledge your support using our Give Lively Campaign, which offers multiple Donor Recognition Levels as well as an option to create your own level of support. All donations are tax-deductible.
If acquisition of the Mowery property is not successful, all monies will be returned. Donations for this first round of funding are strictly for acquisition. Acknowledgment of your gift will be realized in development phases.
If you would like to contribute by check, please contact Sharon Korotkin, Executive Director, at (510) 301-6709.
Donor Recognition Program
Each of our Donor options includes a personalized plaque or inscription in recognition of your gift.
It may reference anyone of your choosing, such as a dedication or in memoriam.
A $200 donation to purchase the Mowery property adds a paver with your name on it that will lead individuals, families and friends along pathways throughout the park.
A $500 donation to purchase the Mowery property adds your name and an interpretive sign to a beautiful tree in our park.
A $2,000 donation to purchase the Mowery property adds your name to a Leaf on our Donor Tree art installation in the Cafe.
Donor Wall
A $10,000 donation to purchase the Mowery property adds your name to the Donor Wall as a Gold Donor.
A $5,000 donation to purchase the Mowery property adds your name to the Donor Wall as a Silver Donor.
A $1,000 donation to purchase the Mowery property adds your name to the Donor Wall as a Bronze Donor.
Signature Project Sponsors
Each Signature Project Sponsorship to purchase the Mowery property includes recognition via a bronze dedication plaque or incised inscription referencing you or anyone of your choosing, such as a dedication or in memoriam, as well as public acknowledgement at the Opening Ceremony.
Community Park Cafe–a $450,000 sponsorship donation to purchase the Mowery property adds a bronze dedication plaque in the Cafe.
Creekside Boardwalk–a $400,000 sponsorship donation to purchase the Mowery property adds a bronze dedication plaque to the boardwalk.
Tree Grove–a $300,000 sponsorship donation to purchase the Mowery property adds a bronze dedication plaque to a tree grove.
If you would like to contribute by check, please
contact Sharon Korotkin, Executive Director, at (510) 301-6709.
COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS
“Wonderful concept! Desperately needed for the community to feel like it has a center, and a central gathering place.”
“A community park and green space is needed for the children and residents of El Sobrante. Please support this bond initiative.”
“What better way to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding hills and creeks without having to drive miles away.”
Sharon Korotkin, Executive Director of Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante, met with members of the El Sobrante Gurdwara Shaib on October 14, 2018 to discuss their support for the Creekside Park for Downtown El Sobrante.