By Larry Clinton, Sausalito Historical Society
“The Rose Garden in Gabrielson Park is looking beautiful! Please stroll by on your next walk through downtown Sausalito and have a look! It will bring you joy.” That’s the message that documentarian MaryAnn Dietrich recently relayed to members of Sausalito Village. But, of course, the invitation is extended to all.
PHOTO BY LARRY CLINTON
Gabrielson Park Rose Garden with Hermandad in background
“The original garden was established in 1961,” MaryAnn noted. “It has been maintained over the years by members of the Sausalito Woman’s Club (SWC.) In the last decade, Wera Musaus has led the SWC volunteers. In 2015, it was decided to concentrate on roses — and those flowers have blossomed with gratifying generosity. This year’s blooms are spectacular!
“Wera hopes that in the midst of this health epidemic and civic unrest you will find comfort in visiting Gabrielson Park. Please rejoice in the beauty of nature and our good fortune in living in Sausalito with its very-special Rose Garden.”
The rose garden is situated on the Northwest corner of Gabrielson Park under the shadow of the 17-foot high sculpture Hermandad. The steel sculpture by Chilean artist Sergio Castillo was erected in 1968 to celebrate Sausalito's sister city relationship with Castillo's hometown of Viña del Mar. The 17,000-lb. sculpture was knocked over by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. In 2009 the sculpture was restored, and the rose garden created, according to the City website.
Gabrielson Park was once a backwater known as “The Hole.” At high tides the property filled with water creating a muddy, murky unattractive lake.
Then in 1965 the Rotary Directors began beautifying “The Hole,” by filling it with over a thousand cubic yards of sand and planting soil. Irrigation pipe was laid, paths defined and dwarf pines planted, all according to plans previously drawn.
The project was delayed when the City proposed to use the site for a new library. When voters declined to approve a library bond, the Club resumed its work with renewed enthusiasm. Materials were either donated by Club members or purchased at cost. All labor was volunteered by Club members. The Hole was renamed Gabrielson Memorial Park in memory of the late Carl Gabrielson, a Rotarian well known for his outstanding contributions to his club and varied civic enterprises both in Japan and Sausalito. A one-time member of the City Council, Carl Gabrielson died in 1964.
A 1993 Marinscope article offered this description of the park’s appeal: “The grassy portions of the park are often used by those seeking some sun in the summer and there are benches fronting the bay for those inclined to stop and admire the view. The park is popular with visitors to the City and is well used on weekends.”
That article also reported: “The rose garden on the right side of the park is dedicated to another beloved member of the Sausalito community, Blanche Dunphy,” and a stone marker holds a dedication plaque. Mrs. Dunphy was born and raised in Sausalito and shared a long-term interest in the community with her husband, Earl Dunphy, an ex-mayor and namesake of nearby Dunphy Park, which is slated to reopen soon after an extensive makeover