Sacramento Parks Foundation Break Ground on emPOWERment Park, a Socially Inclusive Playground on 1.43 Acres of Land Donated by SMUD.

After over three years of dreaming and planning, Sacramento Parks Foundation announces the groundbreaking of the new emPOWERment Park. Located at 1124 Bell Street on 1.43 acres of surplus land donated by SMUD through the community-owned electric company’s Shine program, a community development program designed to improve and revitalize neighborhoods in the Sacramento region. By utilizing funds from Prop 68, State of California Parks & Water Bond, they will be able to provide outdoor access for all.

Please join City officials, contractors, and partners as we celebrate this milestone in our community.

WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony, emPOWERment Park

WHEN: Monday, October 3, 2022, at 1:00 pm

WHERE: Future site of emPOWERment Park, 1124 Bell Street, Arden Arcade, CA 95825

The emPOWERment Park is a socially inclusive and sensory-integrated playground where everybody can play regardless of age or ability. As a socially inclusive space, emPOWERment Park will include power-themed accessible play equipment, sensory integrated experiences, a picnic and BBQ area, shade structures, community garden beds, a public art display, water components, open space/turf, court games area, a Bankshot court, accessible parking stalls, a restroom, landscaping, and safety lighting. An inclusive playground where children with different physical abilities can play together in a barrier-free playground that fosters inclusive play in ways that standard playgrounds can’t.

The Sacramento Parks Foundation (SPF) is a 501 (c) 3 organization formed in 1998 and is comprised of a consortium of four park districts, Arcade Creek, Arden Manor, Fulton-El Camino, and Mission Oaks Park Districts.  These districts work together to provide recreational services for the unincorporated portion of Sacramento County.

O’Dell Engineering is a design firm dedicated to supporting public and private improvement projects in Northern California. Their integrated team of professionals work together to provide creative, thoughtful, and community-focused designs. Their teams are recognized thought leaders in landscape architecture, civil engineering, and land surveying.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is the sixth-largest community-owned, not-for-profit, electric service provider, and has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for more than 70 years to Sacramento County and adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties. SMUD is an award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and sustainable solutions for a healthier environment.

Prop 68 recognizes disparities in park access and helps ensure everyone has their fair share of healthy parks, water, and climate protections. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation bonds for the creation and rehabilitation of state and local parks, natural resources protection projects, climate adaptation projects, water quality and supply projects, and flood protection projects.

KYA is a specialized General Contractor focusing on comprehensive facility modernization, safe and healthy classrooms, sports complexes, sustainable landscapes, and light construction — all supported by project management, design, and maintenance services.