FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 20, 2026
City of Rohnert Park Shares Update on Solar Canopy Construction, Parking Access, and Party on the Plaza
Rohnert Park, CA — The City of Rohnert Park is notifying residents of upcoming construction at City Center Plaza that will temporarily affect parking access and require the relocation of Party on the Plaza and the Farmers Market for the 2026 season. Construction is scheduled to begin March 23, 2026, as part of the City’s Solar Canopy Project, with work expected to continue through August 1, 2026.
Because construction will take place in an active parking area, the City Center Plaza parking lots affected by the project must be fenced and temporarily closed for safety. The Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library will remain open throughout construction, and public parking will continue to be available nearby for library visitors and others accessing the area. Available public parking includes the public lot north of City Center Drive, street parking along City Center Drive, and additional public parking along Santa Alicia Drive.
The City also wants to reassure the community that Party on the Plaza is still happening, and the Farmers Market will also continue. To safely accommodate construction, both events will be temporarily relocated to the Community Center Complex for the 2026 season. While the location will be different this year, the City looks forward to continuing these valued community events and welcoming residents there.
“While we understand this temporary change may be inconvenient, this project is an important long-term investment in City infrastructure and sustainability,” said Mark Hendersen, Rohnert Park’s Director of Public Works. “We are committed to maintaining access to the library, providing nearby parking options, and continuing these popular community events during construction.”
Before making this decision, City staff and the contractor reviewed several alternatives, including delaying construction until after summer, pausing work during event season, and completing the parking areas in separate phases. Due to the nature of the project, completing the work on both lots at once was determined to be the most efficient and fiscally responsible approach. Phasing the work one lot at a time would have increased construction costs, extended disruption, and created additional logistical and safety challenges.
The timing of this project is driven by required construction deadlines and PG&E reimbursement requirements, which limited the City’s ability to move the work to another season, including winter, without jeopardizing the project schedule. Staff also explored ways to keep events in their current location, but hosting them within an active construction zone was not considered safe.
The Solar Canopy Project was approved by the City Council on November 18, 2025 and supports the City’s long-term sustainability and energy savings goals. The overall project includes installations at City Center Plaza and the Community Center Complex, serving Public Safety Main, Spreckels Performing Arts Center, and Callinan Sports & Fitness Center. The combined projects are estimated to generate approximately $5.8 million in energy cost savings over 20 years.
The City appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as this work moves forward and will continue to share updates as construction progresses.
For questions or additional information about the solar canopy project, please contact:
Jason Sampietro |Transportation Engineer
707-588-2235
For questions or additional information about Party on the Plaza, please contact:
Cindy Bagley | Director of Community Services
707-588-3452