From new homes to thick grass and blooming poppies in the neighborhood park, which is still fenced and off limits in appearances, at least.
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"This is the first time I have been in the park since they had a Christmas party, here," said Kevin Ward while walking his dog through the foot-high weeds.
Like others in this neighborhood, he's impatient to see that as homes rise, this six-acre neighborhood fixture remains closed while the city expedites its resurrection.
"In today's world you do not build a park without a master plan," said Kristi Buffo from the Santa Rosa Parks department. They have the drawings.
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They have nearly $2 million promised from FEMA, and a half million dollar pledge from the Kaiser Foundation for what has become a $5 million project. FEMA pays only after the project finishes, a "use-it-or-lose-it" proposition.
"Why don't they save the money and put the park back the way it was?" asked Michael Williams who lives across the street. His family has a view of the park out their front window. "The houses are getting built. It is time to fix the park."
For the city, it's almost a no-win.
Santa Rosa Parks want input, and they know they would also face criticism if they didn't ask for input. Parks usually take three years.
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"In this case, we got it done in 18 months," said Buffo of the planning phase.
The new version will add a restroom and a dog park.
"The way it was laid out before it had everything a residential park should have," said Ward.
Now it will have a little more. It's good news in a neighborhood that has been through so much.
See more on the North Bay Fires.