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Published: 2002

Total Pages: 0

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"The Water Street Trestle is the last of the many historic landings on the Petaluma River. The cultural importance of this Warf/Promendade can not be overstated. The earliest maps of Petaluma include a commercial landing at this location. The pictures on the following pages are just a few that show this area in transition over the years. The first pictures show the trestle on the covers of Petaluma Visitor Guides and on post Cards, attesting to the cultural importance of this connection with the water. Next the Trestle is shown as the center of the 1900 Petaluma River Festival. Later pictures show earlier Festivals with boats dating from the 1970s and back to the 1950s. Then we are into the heart of the commercial use of the railroad wharf as a transfer point between rail and barges and steamers. Finally, there is a pre 1923 picture with sailing schooners and goods that were transhiped by wagon only, before the rails were made part of the wharf. If the trestle is rebuilt, the decking an be restored to it's pre-1970 position, flush with the top of the railroad rail, making a smooth unbroken flush surface. This way the Water Street Trestle can continue to provide a center for Riverfront Festivals and an important tie to Petaluma History while serving the everyday needs of a multi modal, bicycle, pedestrian, ADA and trolley uses. The plan to demolish it is very irresponsible policy. The Trestle was the inspiration for the Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan. Are we going to let it just be torn down?! There is another way."--Leaf [2].