Discover Rohnert Parks Sporting History: Progressive, Green, Diverse, and Scenic

Rohnert Park may be known for its modern amenities and suburban charm, but it also boasts a rich sporting history that reflects the areas diverse population and innovative spirit. From baseball to cycling to horseracing, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the past while enjoying the natural beauty of this scenic corner of California.

Begin your journey by visiting Sally Tomatoes (1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park, CA 94928), which sits on the site of former racetrack Rancho Feliz. Though it closed in 1963 due to declining attendance, locals still recall watching legendary jockeys like Bill Shoemaker compete on these grounds. Today you can enjoy live music or a bite to eat at Sally Tomatoes while imagining what it would have been like to see those races firsthand.

Another mustsee destination is Weill Hall at Sonoma State University (1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928), home to numerous musical performances as well as athletic events over the years. Youll be walking in the footsteps of some true greats if you attend a concert here everyone from Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra has graced this stage! But sports fans will appreciate that Joe DiMaggio played an exhibition game with other major league players against Sonoma County AllStars on this field in 1949.

Cyclists wont want to miss out on exploring Two Rock Coast Guard Station Historic District (2995 Valley FordFranklin School Rd., Petaluma/Rohnert Park). This beautiful stretch was once part of The Octopus, a winding race route through Marin and Sonoma counties popular among cyclists in the late 19th century. The road hugs gorgeous coastal cliffsides dotted with cypress trees, offering breathtaking views for miles.

If youre into beer and baseball, head to Bear Republic Brewing Company (345 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401), which has a location just minutes away from Rohnert Park in the nearby town of Healdsburg. Here you can sip some quality brews while admiring their collection of vintage baseball memorabilia including jerseys worn by players like Babe Ruth and Jim Thorpe! You might even catch a game on the big screen if theres one happening that day.

Rohnert Park may be young compared to other cities in California, but its got plenty of sporting history to discover. With these destinations as your starting points, youll get a sense not only of what happened here decades ago but also what makes this area so vibrant today.

Websites:

https://www.sallytomatoes.com/

https://gmc.sonoma.edu/about/weillhallatthegreenmusiccenter

https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/two.htm

https://bearrepublic.com/locations/bearrepublicbrewingcohealdsburg/

Twitter handles:

@SallyTomatoesRPK

@GreenMusicCtr

@NatlParkService

@BearRepublic