West Sacramento seeks public input on conceptual Arlington Neighborhood Park that could add nearly 32 acres

At its June 3, 2025, meeting the West Sacramento Parks and Recreation Intergenerational Services Commission received a workshop presentation on the conceptual Arlington Neighborhood Park and was asked to provide feedback as part of a grant application process.

Erin Ayala, parks and recreation business manager, described the city's long-range planning context, saying the general plan and the parks, recreation and open space master plan call for a service level of 5 acres of park space per 1,000 residents and the city is currently "72 acres shy" of that goal. Ayala said recent conversations with the Port of West Sacramento about purchasing an adjacent parcel, combined with a possible grant opportunity, could expand the park to add "nearly 32 acres of open green space" if funding is secured. "The larger park footprint is not guaranteed and will be dependent on the receipt of grant funding," she said.

Ayala outlined four primary design principles: celebrate the site's natural beauty, preserve mature oak groves, provide viable recreation elements and develop waterfront recreation opportunities that are inclusive. Possible amenities presented as conceptual ideas included a bike-safety park, rock-climbing features, bocce, disc golf, volleyball, game tables, fitness and running loops, a children's play area, an amphitheater, gardens, a dog park, restrooms, flexible lawn space and river-focused elements such as an improved nonmotorized boat launch, a floating dock and a fishing boardwalk.

Commissioner Jans urged the city to plan the boat launch and waterfront access for nonmotorized craft only and suggested safety measures such as signage or flags to separate small craft from larger motorized boats operating nearby. "I would have is if there were improvements to the boat ramp that it'd be... only for, like, small, non motorized watercraft," Jans said, adding examples such as paddleboards and kayaks.

Commissioner Ahmad recommended designing play areas with safety in mind because of the site's proximity to water, suggesting gated or partially enclosed play features for small children and more seating along trails for older residents. Ahmad also supported inclusive water access such as adaptive kayak launches.

Ayala said the city intends to seek community input as part of the grant application process and has scheduled a community engagement event on June 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Barge's Hill access area. She emphasized that acquisition and planning are preliminary: if the application is successful the city will follow a larger public-engagement and design process.

Speakers at the meeting noted the parcel's development potential and said securing it as dedicated open space would ensure perpetual park use. Ayala said the proposed acquisition could be paired with state or regional land-and-water grant programs that would require dedication as open space in perpetuity.

The commission provided preliminary feedback and will forward community comments as part of the grant application.