Sacramento Preservation Commission Regular Meeting – August 19, 2026

On August 19, 2026, the Sacramento Preservation Commission held a regular meeting. The sole discussion item was an update on the proposed Sacramento Zoo expansion within William Land Park. The commission also approved the consent calendar, received the director’s report, and heard public comments on non-agenda matters.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 17, 2026): Passed by unanimous voice vote. (File ID: 2026-00043)

Public Comments & Testimony

On Zoo Expansion (Discussion Calendar):

• Blake Stevenson: Expressed full support for preserving the Swanson Memorial, its waterfalls, gardens, and surrounding land. Highlighted the area's historic depression-era craftsmanship, use by families, and views of heritage oak trees. Stated the zoo's revised plan still takes much of the gardens and eliminates some pathways.
• Bruce Marwick (Upper Land Park Neighbors Association, zoo working group): Advocated for the Swanson statue and gardens. Presented an alternate fence line concept (provided in the packet) to allow more open space and preserve walking paths. Requested the commission support a site plan that protects the Swanson area as a dynamic resource.
• Larise Stetson (Upper Land Park Neighbors, working group): Raised concerns about park impacts: elimination of views/open space at pony ride and camellia areas, an 8-foot fence with razor wire at a major entrance creating a tunnel effect, and potential damage if the zoo fences expansion areas before funding is secured. Asked that language requiring the zoo to keep areas open until construction be added to the operating agreement. Acknowledged the exclusion of the Swanson Monument but noted many walkways are still being removed.
• Christina (President, Land Park Community Association): Stated the board supports the zoo expansion but urged balance with other park amenities. Criticized the zoo’s lack of a concrete parking/traffic plan and noted inconsistency: zoo leadership previously said attendance wouldn’t increase, but the presentation showed plans to attract more visitors. Asked the commission to support a contract requiring written, real solutions on traffic issues.

On Matters Not on the Agenda:

• Christina (same speaker): Expressed frustration about the Del Rio Trail and Sacramento train museum. Stated that trees were removed when the trail was built, leaving a fence above backyard level, and tourists on trains look into backyards. Noted impacts on a special-needs child and an anxious neighbor. Requested the commission discuss with the train museum about stopping at the river’s edge rather than passing through residential areas.

Discussion Items

Sacramento Zoo Expansion Update (File ID: 2026-01460)

• Staff from the Convention and Cultural Services (Dustin Hollingsworth) and the Zoological Society (President Elizabeth Stollard, CEO Dan Simon) presented the proposal.
• Need for expansion: The zoo is approaching its 100th anniversary (2027). Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) requires larger, higher-quality habitats; larger species have already been moved out due to space constraints. Expansion would also improve visitor experience and revenue.
• Process: In June 2025, the city and society extended the operating agreement and began negotiations. A non-binding MOU was signed in April 2026 to explore expansion. Since then, community engagement and a working group (including Preservation Sacramento) were convened. The zoo redrew its plans to exclude the Swanson statue and fountain after early concerns.
• Proposed expansion: Approximately 4.4 acres across Land Park Drive (former pony ride parcel) and about 1.2 acres north of the current footprint. Plans include an education campus across the street (relocating camp and school programs) and new habitat zones (e.g., tropical forest, Australasia) on the main site.
• Historical resources: The zoo stated the Swanson statue/fountain views are now excluded. The Camellia Society president expressed support for the garden being incorporated. Commissioner Max McSlavkin noted other listed structures, such as the 1961 Ricky and Brooks entry portal, may need consideration.
• Community feedback themes: Excitement about the zoo staying in Land Park, historical element concerns, park access/traffic/parking, tree removal, attendance projections, and funding/funding phasing. The zoo expects no material increase in attendance but acknowledged potential bumps from new exhibits.
• Next steps: The city and society plan to return to City Council on September 1, 2026, to present an amendment to the operating agreement.

Commissioners did not take a formal vote; the item was for review and comment only. Chair Ambacher and Vice Chair Merker noted the importance of continued public input and design expertise.

Director’s Report

• Historic resource nominations: The State Historical Resources Commission (August 7, 2026) approved Grant Union High School, El Dorado School, and Thompson’s Diggs Company building for the National Register. Local landmark nominations (including El Dorado School) will go to City Council on August 25, 2026.
• Grants: The city received a $10,500 Certified Local Government grant for Native American interpretive panels. Three federal grant applications were submitted: $750,000 (with match) for old Sacramento boardwalk replacement; $75,000 for an underrepresented communities context/survey (focused on Japanese American experience); and $75,000 from BLM to digitize the cultural resource inventory.
• Mills Act: 30 applications are being processed—the largest number since the program restarted in 2018. Contracts will go to City Council before year-end.

Commissioner Comments

• Commissioner Max McSlavkin thanked public speakers and highlighted the need for a zoo design subject-matter expert. He inquired about the underrepresented communities grant focus (Japanese American experience). He also mentioned the Ricky and Brooks entry portal as a listed structure needing consideration.
• No other formal commissioner comments were made.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Motion: Passed unanimously.
• Discussion Item: No formal decision; the commission received the report and public comments. The zoo expansion proposal will be presented to City Council on September 1, 2026, for an operating agreement amendment. The commission may continue to provide input on historic resource impacts.