Sacramento parks system ranks 30th among 100 most populous U.S. cities

Sacramento (June 10, 2024) Parks play a critical role in the life of the city, and recently Sacramento was ranked 30th out of 100 cities by the Trust for Public Land for its outstanding park system.

The ParkScore index is a national comparison of park systems across the 100 most populated cities in the United States. Published annually, the index measures park systems according to five categories reflective of an excellent city park system: access, investment, amenities, acreage and equity.

For more than 175 years—from its initial John Sutter Jr. land grants in 1849—the City of Sacramento has built and maintained a robust system of parks, parkways, and open space that today covers more than 4,300 acres.

“Our parks and open spaces are integral to the success, health, and vibrancy of Sacramento,” Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment Director Jackie Beecham said. “Our staff is dedicated to creating an accessible park and recreation system, connecting people to nature and to each other.”

85% of Sacramento residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. View the City’s park directory for locations and amenities here.

Highlights from the 2024 report include:

• Access: Sacramento scored 81 points in this category. The access score indicates the percentage of a city’s residents that live within a walkable half-mile of a park – the average distance that most people are willing to walk to reach a destination

• Amenities: The amenities score indicates the relative abundance of six park activities popular among a diverse selection of user groups (kids, teenagers, adults, seniors). Overall for this category, Sacramento scores above average: dog parks (100 points), playgrounds (73 points), permanent restrooms (52 points), and splashpads (100 points).

YPCE is also leading efforts to finalize the Parks Plan 2040, which will guide City efforts to manage and enhance parks, recreation facilities, programs, events, and youth services over the next 20 years.

Using a combination of professional expertise and public input, the Parks Plan will help Sacramento:

• Provide equitable and accessible parks and recreation opportunities

• Evaluate and improve park conditions and maintenance

• Expand recreation and community enrichment programs to better serve all residents

• Support and empower youth in our communities

Final approval of the Parks Plan 2040 by City Council is expected in the coming months.