September 26, 2025 / Author: the Railyards
Green spaces like parks bring enormous environmental, social, and health benefits to their communities. Learn more.
89% of Sacramento residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Access to green spaces like these brings enormous environmental and health benefits. Sacramento is home to 237 parks, all of which offer the community a place to relax, destress, and play. The post below highlights four local parks, as well as four more to look forward to in the future.
Learn more about the importance of green spaces in our cities and local parks here in Sacramento.
What Are 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 reduce the urban heat island effect, which occurs when pavement, buildings, and other urban structures create a warmer climate 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 that is home to beloved local amenities, including 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, admire the beautiful pond that reflects the trees and city skyline, or play a game of basketball or tennis.
Fong Ranch Park
Fong Ranch Park is a 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 features a farm-themed playground, basketball court, volleyball courts, a picnic area, and elegant shade trees. It opened in March of 2024.
Discover more parks in Sacramento.
Looking Forward: What Parks Are Coming to Sacramento?
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 the planned Depot Park in Depot District. The Depot District will serve as an open space connecting The Railyards to Downtown Sacramento. The proposed Depot Park will be a green space welcoming guests in the Railyards.
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.
Sunhaven Park
Sunhaven Park is a planned 2.4-acre park in North Natomas. Planned amenities include a shaded picnic area, a multi-sport court, and an inclusive, shaded play area.
Lakeshore Park
Lakeshore Park will be a 2.2-acre park in North Natomas. Future visitors will enjoy a lakefront picnic area with a shade structure to protect from the Sacramento heat. Plans also include fenced pickleball courts, a tree bosque seating area with concrete games, and a play area.
Green spaces are essential for our environment, 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!
