Under clear skies and a hint of winter chill, Carmichael Recreation and Park District board members gathered on a recent Saturday to cut an oversized red, white and blue inaugural ribbon at Patriots Park.
But as government agencies face round after round of budget cuts, ribbon-cuttings for parks may become rarities. Some agencies – including Sacramento's park district – are also looking to trim maintenance at existing parks.
The financial health of area park districts is a mixed bag. Parks in unincorporated Sacramento County are governed by park districts with dedicated funding from property taxes. But in some cities, including Sacramento, parks compete with other priorities such as public safety.
Sacramento officials said they will make do with less.
"It doesn't mean we can't maintain them, but the service level is going to drop," said Jim Combs, Sacramento's parks and recreation director.
That means watering less often and shedding staff, Combs said.
Sacramento County, which operates several regional parks, including the American River Parkway, is facing a smaller reduction. Parks director Janet Baker said the majority of the nearly $100,000 cut from her budget has been replaced by outside funds.
Meanwhile, "make do" is the motto for smaller districts such as the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District.
In a community with little growth and little undeveloped land, the Fair Oak park district doesn't expect to add new parks, said administrator Maureen Zamarripa.
"We're careful with our estimates," Zamarripa said, noting that most of the park district's budget comes from property taxes.
She said her staff has been able to balance the budget, but there's not a lot of extra money.
Patriots Park – which had its grand opening Nov. 15 – features a Wall of Honor dedicated to area residents who died in service of country or community.
The Carmichael park district financed the park, at 6897 Palm Ave., on the border of Carmichael and Fair Oaks, by selling 2.5 acres of land to a developer during the real estate boom.
District administrator Jack Harrison said the park would not have been possible without the land sale.
"We are certainly not going out spending money on brand-new things. Patriots Park was an exception," Harrison said.
Patriots Park features a small bridge, a playground and a half-court basketball court. A butterfly garden is planned.
The park's Wall of Honor was inspired by Army Sgt. Ronald L. Coffelt, a 36-year-old father of five who was killed in action in Baghdad last year. As a boy, Coffelt rode his bike on the then-undeveloped land.
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.