We, the residents of the Dominican neighborhood, are requesting that the City of San Rafael and San Rafael City Schools consider opening the Coleman Elementary School playground for community use on weekends.

Our neighborhood currently lacks access to a public park or open play space—especially one that’s safe and appropriate for toddlers and young children. As a result, families are left without a nearby option for outdoor recreation, which is essential for healthy childhood development and community well-being.

Coleman Elementary, a public school supported by our tax dollars, sits at the center of our neighborhood. Yet on weekends, its gates remain locked, leaving an otherwise ideal play space unused. We fully understand concerns about maintenance and cleanliness, but believe there are realistic solutions we can agree on to provide an open, safe space for our children. We hope to work together to create a more inclusive and livable community for all.

California actively supports shared-use of school facilities and funds projects to expand equitable access to recreational spaces. If the school site cannot be made available, then we respectfully urge the City to prioritize building a public park in the Dominican neighborhood.

We believe it’s time to invest in solutions that reflect the needs of local families and provide our children with safe, accessible spaces to play and grow. We’re ready and willing to be part of that conversation and help identify a path forward.

Thank you for considering this request. We hope to work together to create a more inclusive and livable community for all.