In the heart of downtown St. Helena, a small park a half-block from Main Street has gone 50 years without significant improvement. Lewis Station, at the corner of Hunt Avenue and Church Street, is ready for a refresh. The parcel was given to the City by Rosa Lee Lewis in 1975, and community members originally came together to create a seating area with an arbor and trees. Over the years, the trees have died and the arbor was no longer usable.

A group of residents partnered with the City to plan for this 2026-2027 renovation. The proposal is being developed in coordination with the Parks and Trails Master Plan to provide residents with greenspace, contribute to livability, be easy to maintain, and create natural playspaces.

The current amenities at the park include three picnic tables, an accessible bathroom, a plaque honoring Rosa Lee Lewis, an existing Valley Oak, and three other mature trees in the southern corner. The proposed improvements will add three benches with backs, boulders for a natural design and additional seating, a Coast Live Oak that will eventually provide sustainable shade, California native plantings including Ceanothus and Redbud, Arbutus (a relative our of native Pacific Madrone), a renewed irrigation system and controller, and a shade structure that can withstand the intense summer heat in this location. New fencing along two sides, a bathroom refresh and soil enhancements are also included in the proposal.

Predominantly California native and drought-tolerant plants are chosen to support native bees, butterflies, and birds and once established, may need little to no irrigation as they become established. Our goal is to serve the community as a native plant or water-wise demonstration garden, and a place to observe nature in action.  

There are currently two railroad artifacts at the park: a crossing sign and a metal track switch. There may also be room for public art. Future features could include a drinking fountain/water refill station, a dog water bowl, and a bicycle rack.

As part of the site preparation, the invasive Tree of Heaven will be treated and managed by the City. There will also be a community sheet-mulching day as an ecological solution to help manage weeds and enrich the soil.

All gifts to the Lewis Station Fund are held by Napa Valley Community Foundation and granted to the City of St. Helena specifically for enhancements at Lewis Station Park.

Why Your Support Matters

- Creates a long-lasting, sustainable, and attractive enhancement in the center of downtown St. Helena.

- Provides additional seating for visitors, residents, and employees of nearby businesses, as well as children walking home from school and young adults enjoying a place to gather.

- Creates a welcoming place for individuals and groups to meet, protected from the sun and offering a respite in nature.

- Provides a point of pride for the community through an attractive park with historical significance.

- Offers an accessible bathroom and accessible picnic tables. 

Your Gift Can

- Help purchase seating, plants, irrigation, shade structures, and other quality infrastructure designed to last.

- Help build a more inclusive community by creating a park that is more aligned with our other City parks and sets the stage for more native planting in our environment.