This blog post unpacks parks/west-marin/bolinas-lagoon-preserve/”>Bolinas voters’ June 2 decision on Measure L. The proposal would double the Firehouse Community Park Agency’s parcel tax from $75 to $150 per year.
It all comes down to funding for Mesa Park, Downtown Park, and a bigger plan to upgrade Bolinas’s beloved public spaces along the Marin County coast. With just about 1,300 people living here, this feels like a big deal—not just for locals but also for folks in Stinson Beach, Point Reyes Station, and Muir Beach who count on these parks for fun, culture, and coming together.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
What Measure L Would Do for Bolinas Parks
Measure L would bring in about $210,000 a year to help run, maintain, and improve Mesa Park and Downtown Bolinas Park. If it passes, the new tax starts July 1, replaces the Measure M tax from 2022, and runs for four years.
The rate could go up by as much as 3% each year. Parcels already exempt from property taxes would stay that way. It needs a two-thirds majority to pass, and so far, nobody has filed official arguments for or against it with the Marin County elections office.
Park manager Suraya Brendel says the increase is necessary to keep up with rising costs and keep park programs alive. The measure’s language allows the money to go toward programs, planning, construction, grant work, and tax administration.
That’s a pretty broad net. Bolinas’s green spaces support everything from fitness and education to beachside events for people from Marin’s coastal towns and even places like Fairfax and Mill Valley.
Bolinas’s master plan and fundraising campaign lay out about $58.1 million in possible Mesa Park upgrades. Think aquatic center, better sports courts, and a gym.
The plan pitches these improvements as ways to make parks more accessible and to turn Mesa Park into a real hub for activity, learning, and community events. It’s a big vision, especially since visitors from San Rafael, Larkspur, and Tiburon regularly come out this way for some outdoor time along Highway 1.
- Day-to-day operations and maintenance at Mesa Park and Downtown Bolinas Park
- More park programs, classes, and events for the community
- Planning and design for new facilities and services
- Grant applications and administrative costs for the park district
The Bigger Vision: Mesa Park Master Plan and Upgrades
The measure fits into a larger Mesa Park master plan that calls for major upgrades across Bolinas’s park system. The aquatics center, multi-sport courts, and gym top the list—these would make parks more accessible for people from all over Marin’s coast, from Stinson Beach to Point Reyes Station.
The master plan really leans into the idea of Mesa Park as a hub for activity, learning, and cultural events. Bolinas has always wanted to fill that role, given its beautiful setting and close-knit vibe.
Other Marin County towns—Mill Valley, Sausalito, Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Ross—are watching Bolinas’s approach. They might see it as a model for keeping up parks without putting too much pressure on homeowners.
What happens here could shape how other coastal communities handle the balance between taxes and keeping public spaces alive. Places like Olema and Nicasio are definitely paying attention.
Why This Matters for Bolinas and the Region
With no formal opposition filed, Measure L now depends on a two-thirds vote. If voters approve it, Bolinas could get better programming, improved maintenance, and a stronger shot at landing grants or partnerships for more upgrades at Downtown Park and Mesa Park.
The proposal asks residents to consider whether a more accessible, arts- and education-friendly park system is worth a higher property-related cost. That question echoes all the way from the dunes near Stinson Beach to the civic spaces of San Rafael.
As June approaches, folks in nearby coastal towns—from Point Reyes Station to Fairfax and Mill Valley—are paying attention. For many, these parks are where families hike together, youth and seniors take classes, and local artists perform under the summer light of Marin County.
Here is the source article for this story: Bolinas parks agency asks voters to double parcel tax
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
