84% of Sacramento residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Access to green spaces like these brings enormous environmental and health benefits. Learn more about the importance of green spaces in our cities and local parks here in Sacramento.

The Benefits of Green Spaces

Green spaces refer to any area with natural vegetation or trees, including parks, gardens, forests, and even roadside trees. These spaces have enormous environmental, social, and health benefits for communities.

Mitigating Climate Change

Green spaces help mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also help to reduce the urban heat island effect, which occurs when pavement, buildings, and other structures in a city create a warmer client in cities than in surrounding rural areas. They also improve air and water quality, reduce noise pollution, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Providing A Place to Play

Parks and other green spaces provide social and recreational benefits to communities. They are places where people can come together to relax, exercise, and socialize, fostering a sense of community and improving mental health. Green spaces also provide opportunities for cultural and educational activities, such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor learning.

Creating Healthier Cities

Green spaces can also offer health benefits for individuals. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.

A Tour of Sacramento's Green Spaces

Ready to reap the benefits of the great outdoors? Lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the beautiful greenery here in the City of Trees.

William Land Park

William Land Park is a 207 acre park home to beloved local amenities like Fairytale Town, the Sacramento Zoo, as well as golfing, basketball, and scenic jogging paths. Enjoy an afternoon on the golf course, or spend a day at the zoo or by the lake.

McKinley Park

Another local favorite, McKinley Park boasts a rose garden, a pool, and numerous sports fields. The park also offers an adventure play area, climbing wall, and tot lot for families. Enjoy lunch in the picnic area or stop by the garden and arts center.

Southside Park

Take your family for a visit to Southside Park to enjoy the unique solar system-themed playground, enjoy the beautiful pond reflecting the trees and city skyline, or play a game of basketball or tennis.

Discover more parks in Sacramento.

Looking Forward: Sacramento's Future Parks

Parks are planned throughout Sacramento in an effort to bring the tremendous benefits of green spaces to more residents.

Depot Park at The Railyards

Plans for The Railyards include several future parks, including Depot Park in Depot District. The Depot District will serve as an open space connecting The Railyards to Downtown Sacramento. Depot Park will be a green space welcoming guests to the Depot District.

East End Neighborhood Parks at The Railyards

The Railyards' East End District will be a residential neighborhood. The East End Neighborhood Parks will provide a gathering place for residents and visitors to the neighborhood. The parks will be 5 distinct open spaces offering activities like playgrounds, gardening, lounging, and pedestrian walkways.

Fong Ranch Park

Fong Ranch Park is an upcoming city park named for Fong Ranch, a 360-acre farm run by The Fongs, a Chinese-American family who purchased and farmed the land. This 3.8 acre park will feature a playground, basketball court, volleyball courts, a picnic area, and elegant shade trees.  Construction began in October 2022.

Green spaces are essential for our environment, our social and recreational well-being, and our individual health. Take advantage of these spaces and get outside for some fresh air, exercise, and community building? Your mind and body will thank you!