To:

 • California State Coastal Conservancy

 • Sierra Club California and Sierra Club National Leadership

 • Marina City Council

 • Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District 

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Marina and the greater Monterey Bay area, respectfully petition to protect Locke-Paddon Park from potentially inappropriate development.

Locke-Paddon Park is a treasured open space in the heart of Marina, CA—land that was acquired and preserved with support from the California State Coastal Conservancy and other conservation-focused efforts. It was deed-restricted to ensure its use would reflect the original intention: to protect and preserve coastal landscapes and offer public access to natural, passive recreational space.  The Sierra Club has historically ensured an interest in that development on such land goes through the appropriate EIR process to ensure consistency of habitat protection and mitigation of negative development impacts.

Recent project proposals under consideration by the Marina City Council could compromise the park’s integrity and violate the original intent of the land’s acquisition and conservation protections. These proposals may include infrastructure or development projects that are inconsistent with the preservation of coastal habitat, public access, and passive use.  The park wetlands and drylands deserve protection and stewardship.

We are also concerned about potential conflicts of interest and perceived bias, as some individuals involved in these decisions are members of both the Marina City Council and the local Sierra Club chapter—an organization that has historically been a strong advocate for conservation and transparency in public land use decisions.

We therefore ask that:

 1. The Coastal Conservancy formally review the proposed projects for consistency with the deed restrictions and the original purpose of the land’s preservation.

 2. The California and National Sierra Club leadership independently assess the appropriateness of the local chapter’s support for these projects and issue a public statement regarding the alignment of these proposals with Sierra Club conservation principles.

 3. The City of Marina and MPRPD pause all advancement of these projects until a full, transparent review is conducted by relevant oversight bodies (including fish and wildlife, Coastal Conservancy, Coastal Commission) and the public has had meaningful opportunities for input.  Further, that these entities consider previous development carefully and consider removal of any projects not aligned with these principles. 

Locke-Paddon Park is not just another piece of city land—it is a living reminder of Marina’s coastal heritage, a sanctuary for wildlife and residents alike, and a symbol of our community’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. We urge all stakeholders to uphold the values that made this park possible in the first place.

Help us protect Locke-Paddon Park for current and future generations.

Sincerely,

[Signatures]