San Geronimo Commons

Marin County | California

What We’re Doing
Protecting green spaces for more residents to enjoy

Our Goal
Tee up a new public park for the Marin community

Support Our Work in California

A Gem in the Heart of West Marin

157

acres protected

1,000+

community members engaged

100,000+

acres linking contiguous public open space from Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Point Reyes National Seashore

A Hole in One for the Marin Community

In the 1960s, the San Geronimo Golf Course opened in anticipation of the budding suburban landscape in Marin County; but the planned suburb never materialized, leaving this 18-hole course a blight below the stunning mountainous terrain. Over the years, the golf course ran into financial trouble and in 2018, Trust for Public Land purchased the course, driving the way for it to become a natural public park for Marin residents. We engaged thousands of community members about their vision for the property and, through a conservation easement, future development of these 157-acres is forbidden and guarantees public enjoyment forever.

Now known as San Geronimo Commons, this new green is a real hole in one for West Marin. Former fairways will turn into hiking and biking trails, and provide critical linkage to trails connecting the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Point Reyes National Seashore. Birds will nest where birdies once were scored. Creeks on the property will revive as a habitat for endangered Coho salmon and protect the Lagunitas Creek watershed.

But beyond its wildlife and recreational value, this space acts as a hub by supporting community needs like COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics, drive-through food pantries, public health fairs, salmon walks, and youth cross-country races. Fire safety will improve in an area at risk for wildfires with the new headquarters for the Marin County Fire Department. The old firehouse was outdated and inconveniently located, but their future headquarters at San Geronimo Commons will help shorten response times, improve public safety, and expand the crew’s scope of fire services for generations to come.

About This Project