Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds & Event Center has been drawing crowds since the 1850s, when residents flocked to see horse races and fire engine competitions. Today, the fairgrounds is used for the Sonoma-Marin Fair, held each June and featuring such favorites as the World's Ugliest Dog and Decorative Shoe contests.
Day to day, the fairgrounds is overseen by the Fourth District Agricultural Association and leases a portion of the property to several schools. Many parts of the fairgrounds are available for rental, including several halls, barbecue pits and even a small park.
A non-profit that organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues, the American Little League was founded by Carl Stotz in 1939 with just three teams. Today, there are Little League teams throughout the world. Boys and girls of all ages can participate in Little League, from t-ball to the junior, senior and big league divisions. Petaluma is part of Little League District 35 and is comprised of approximately 300 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 16. For more information about the local league and enrollment, call the office or visit the website.
Lucchesi Park Center is a multi-purpose community center. It can be rented for meetings, receptions, banquets, conferences and other functions. Laptops and Internet access also can be provided.
Walnut Park is a 1.46-acre park located on the corner of D and 4th streets. The park contains a playground and spaces that are rentable by groups of twenty or more.
Penry Park is a small community park operated by the City of Petaluma's Parks and Recreation Department. It's named for Richard Allen Penry, a veteran of the Vietnam War and recipient of the Medal of Honor, born and raised in Petaluma. The park features a path for walkers as well as drinking fountains.