Wiggins bill would give county chance to buy Skyline Park

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Tuesday, March 06, 2007

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By DAVID RYAN
Register Staff Writer

The third time may be the charm when it comes to the local effort to purchase Skyline Park from the state.

At least that’s what Napa County officials are hoping for with a new bill introduced Monday by state Sen. Pat Wiggins, D-Santa Rosa, that would allow the county to make a bid for the 28-year-old, 850-acre park before developers have a chance to do so.

“I think everyone knows that if we were to put the property up for bid, the county would be hard-pressed to match the sums that could be offered by big developers,” Wiggins said in a prepared statement. “Growth is, of course, inevitable, but we should take great care to preserve those public spaces which are worthy of preservation — and Skyline Park definitely qualifies.”

The park provides more than 12 miles of hiking, riding and bicycling trails, with other frills like a native plant garden, horse arena, archery range and a disc golf course.

Wiggins’ move echoes actions that former state Sen. Wes Chesbro made to support county officials in their quest to wrest control of the property from the state. State control of the park has been a thorn for county officials because every few years Skyline goes on the state surplus property list — and risks being sold off to augment a stretched state budget.

That developers could provide a bigger payoff to the state may hinder the Wiggins bill as it works its way through the Legislature, but recreational and environmental concerns could tip the balance in the county’s favor.

Last year’s bill was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger because it required the state to initiate an environmental review of the property prior to any sale. The Wiggins bill avoids that potential pitfall.

“Across our state, public lands and open spaces are disappearing every day, and that’s a real shame,” Wiggins said in the statement. “Skyline Park is truly a special place, and we have the chance to do the right thing by enabling the county to preserve the park for years to come.”

4 comment(s)

John wrote on Mar 6, 2007 7:40 AM:

" Skyline is truly one of the diamonds of Napa County. Our county is overrun with tourist destinations, including wineries, B&Bs, new hotels and various spas and fine art venues - all fine establishments. But, Skyline is one of the few places in our county to escape all of that "stuff" and enjoy nature. Whether hiking, horseback riding, cycling or jogging, this unique parcel of land deserves to remain just as it is and we need to do whatever it takes to protect it. I would venture to say that most residents of this county have never set foot in this beautiful place, but everyone that took the efferto to do so would agree this is worth every effort Pat Wiggins needs to expend to save it! (It doesn't need the new Park District to ruin it either!) "

Napan wrote on Mar 6, 2007 11:06 AM:

" Skyline being sold to developers would be a true tragedy. Preserve it, please! "

With What Funds? wrote on Mar 6, 2007 11:15 AM:

" How will the County pay for it? Last I heard the County wasn't exactly flush with extra cash to spend. "

to With What Funds? wrote on Mar 6, 2007 6:45 PM:

" Taxpayer funds. This would be one of the best uses of my tax dollars I have heard of in quite a while. Certainly better than subsidizing rich winery owners by housing illegal aliens. "

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