Sacramento Parks and Community Enrichment Commission Regular Meeting - August 6, 2026

The Sacramento Parks and Community Enrichment Commission met on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall Complex, 915 I Street. The meeting included a land acknowledgement, pledge of allegiance, and welcome of new Commissioner Kelsey Brewer. Commissioners discussed the proposed Sacramento Zoo expansion, community recreation updates, and 916 Day volunteer events. The consent calendar was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes (June 4, 2026) and Follow Up Log were approved by a single motion with a second. No public comments or commissioner discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Larise Stetson (Upper Land Park Neighbors Association) expressed concerns regarding the zoo expansion's visual impacts, fencing proximity to the Swanston statue (creating a keyhole effect), and the need for a thorough CEQA study on park attendance and parking impacts.

Discussion Items

• Proposed Sacramento Zoo Expansion (Item 3)

  • Presentation: Dustin Hollingsworth (Assistant Director, Department of Convention and Cultural Services) provided an update alongside Sacramento Zoological Society CEO Dan Simon and board president Elizabeth Stallard. The proposed expansion would increase the zoo's site from 14.3 to 19.9 acres (approximately 40% increase, the largest since the 1960s) by adding 5.6 acres—0.42 acres east of the main entrance and 4.4 acres across Land Park Drive at the former Pony Ride area. The Swanston statue and garden were removed from the expansion after community feedback. The zoo serves nearly 500,000 visitors per year with 10,000 member households. A non-binding MOU signed in April 2026 guides exploration; a proposed amendment to the operating agreement is expected in September 2026. Community feedback has been mixed, with over 1,000 online responses; key concerns include tree removal, traffic, parking, pedestrian flow, and historical features.
  • Commissioner Questions:
    • Commissioner Vasquez asked why expansion is needed if attendance is not expected to increase. Elizabeth Stallard explained that educational programming would shift across the street to free up existing space for improved habitats and guest amenities, without a material increase in attendance.
    • Commissioner Vasquez inquired about tree removal. Stallard stated there is no grand plan for removal, but some trees may be needed; replanting is expected.
    • Commissioner Brewer noted a discrepancy between slides stating increased attendance/revenue and staff's statements. Stallard clarified they expect modest revenue gains from enhanced experiences (private events, longer visits) but no dramatic attendance spike like the Fresno Zoo.
    • Commissioner King asked about preserving the zoo's mid-century modern architectural charm. Stallard noted recent exhibits (Okapi, alligator) have balanced modernization with character; the entry structures are historically registered.
    • Commissioner Langer expressed strong support for the expansion as necessary for animal welfare and accreditation, calling the zoo a destination that punches above its weight.
    • Commissioner Lang questioned the compressed MOU timeline. Hollingsworth confirmed it has been very busy but most tasks are complete; the accelerated pace was intentional to support a zoo fundraising opportunity at the end of September.
    • Commissioner Flores highlighted the balance between zoo needs, neighbors, and park usage, noting that all questions raised by commissioners were previously discussed in three working group meetings. He emphasized that many details (fencing, tree canopy, CEQA) will be addressed in future design and environmental review.

• Community Recreation Annual Update (Item 5)

  • Presentation: Heather Kopf (Recreation General Supervisor) reported on youth and adult sports, operations at the Sacramento Softball Complex and 28th & B Skate Park. A request for proposals was completed for open skate hours at the skate park (at least 4 days/week). A community survey is open through August 31st for feedback on expanding public access at the skate park. Youth sports include junior giants, NFL flag, junior NBA; adult sports include softball leagues and tournaments. Commissioner Vasquez raised concerns about the survey's transparency: limited time slot options (only one choice among 9-12, 12-3, 3-6, 6-9), lack of explanation about renovation plans (e.g., removal of wood ramps), and insufficient community outreach. Jason Wieseman (Park Planning) explained that the wood ramps (built for a one-time event 20 years ago) are unsafe and will be replaced with durable concrete ramps to create an open park similar to other skate parks. The survey was guided by California Skate Parks expertise; Phase 1 has $750,000 from Measure E funds. There will be community workshops after the survey to refine designs. Commissioner Vasquez urged pausing the survey to add context and allow broader input, noting the small, enclosed feel of the skate park is valued by some users. Staff agreed to look into improvements.

• 916 Day Updates (Item 6)

  • Presentation: Staff reported on completed and upcoming volunteer events: District 2 (July 24) at Sacramento Softball Complex (30 volunteer hours); District 4 (August 8) at Grant Park (painting, weeding, mulching); District 5 (September 12) at Chorley Park Disc Golf Course; District 8 at Bally High (date TBD). The Tahoe Park tree planting (March 7) had 141 volunteers and 352.5 volunteer hours. Commissioners were encouraged to submit ideas for future events.

• Department of Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment Highlights

  • Presentation: Katie Hauser noted fall program registration opened August 5 at noon. Camp Sacramento Summer 2027 reservations open August 22. The North Natomas Aquatics Complex hosted the TYR Futures Championships (July 29-Aug 1) and the U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship (Aug 5-9), setting a record with 1,400+ swimmers. Backpack giveaways are scheduled at Pennell Community Center (Aug 14) and Oak Park Community Center (Aug 20). The Sacramento Youth Commission has open seats; WIOA applications are being accepted for the 2026-27 school year.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (no recorded opposition).
• Zoo Expansion Update: Received and filed; no vote required. Commissioners expressed general support for the expansion while emphasizing the need for careful community engagement, CEQA review, and preservation of historical features and tree canopy. The city council will consider a proposed amendment to the operating agreement in September 2026.
• Community Recreation Update: No vote required; discussion highlighted concerns about the 28th & B Skate Park survey process. Staff will consider adding explanatory information to the survey and will hold community workshops following the survey.
• 916 Day Updates: No vote required; upcoming events were noted and volunteer participation encouraged.
• Commissioner Comments & Ideas: Items raised include: (1) Commissioner Vasquez reported feedback about declining food quality at Camp Sacramento and suggested a sliding scale pricing model; (2) Commissioner Vasquez emphasized the importance of standard signage in parks for reporting issues via 311, and shared that a graffiti incident was quickly addressed by city staff; (3) Commissioner Vasquez launched a community watering brigade for new trees at Tahoe Park; (4) Commissioner Langer celebrated the opening of Sunhaven Park and noted bird issues; (5) Commissioner Flores thanked YIPCE staff for behind-the-scenes work on park issues and the zoo expansion meetings.
• Next Steps: City staff will provide updates on the zoo expansion amendment, skate park survey modifications, and continuing community recreation programs. The next commission meeting date was not announced but is expected within the fiscal year's six-meeting schedule.