The last big summer holiday weekend is right around the corner and Sacramento County's Department of Regional Parks is encouraging visitors to stay safe while having fun in its parks and on the river.
Being familiar with the Regional Parks' rules and regulations that promote safety helps preserve the parks and ensure that everyone has a fun holiday weekend.
Be Safe in the Water:
- Life Looks Good On You—and so does a life vest! Before you dive in, put on a life vest. Borrowing stations are available along Sacramento's waterways and at local fire stations. Remember, even the strongest swimmer can be pulled under by the strong river currents, even when water flows are low.
- Kids Don't Float —but life vests do. Make sure your child wears a life vest. Sacramento County ordinance requires any child under 13 to wear a life vest before accessing any public waters (Sacramento County Ordinance 13.08.301). Bring a life vest for each of your children to the river.
- Jumping and diving from the Clay Banks at El Manto is prohibited.
Prevent Wildfires:
- Smoking is only allowed in developed picnic areas, asphalt surfaces, golf courses and on levee tops in the American River Parkway.
- Open flame fires are not allowed, and barbequing is only permitted in designated picnic areas.
Alcohol Prohibited for the Holiday Weekend:
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Sept. 7, possession of alcohol is prohibited on the shore and river of the American River within Sacramento County Regional Parks' jurisdiction and at Sherman Island. The prohibition includes open or closed alcoholic beverages.
Parking Fee Increase:
The number of visits to Regional Parks increases dramatically during holiday weekends, which increases the cost to staff and maintain the parks. In order to offset these costs and provide maximum staffing and enforcement, the vehicle entrance fee will increase to $11 for single vehicles and $17 for oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft. These increases will not affect annual pass holders. Visitors who regularly enjoy County Parks are encouraged to purchase an Annual Parks Pass, not only to save money but to help keep our parks safe and clean.
Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Ride Free.
Heading out on two wheels this holiday weekend? Whether you're riding a traditional bicycle or an e-bike, take a few minutes to know your ride and the rules before you hit the trail.
- Know your e-bike: California recognizes three classes of e-bikes. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes provide assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can assist up to 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on Sacramento County Regional Parks trails and facilities. E-motorcycles, sometimes called e-Motos, are different from e-bikes altogether. They are electric motorcycles with two wheels, handlebars, a straddle seats and no pedals, and are prohibited in our parks and on our trails.
- Wear a helmet: California law requires riders under 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet on public roads, bikeways and bicycle paths and trails. Helmets are recommended for riders of all ages.
- Slow down and stay alert: On the American River Parkway's Jedediah Smith Memorial Multi-use Trail, the speed limit is 15 mph. Ride single file, pass on the left and give other trail users plenty of space.
- Know where you can ride: Bicycle and e-bike rules vary by trail. Stay on designated routes and check the rules before you ride.
For more information on e-bikes, check out this recent SacCounty News story.
Keep Our Parks Clean
Helping out is easy. Some easy ways you can help keep our parks clean and beautiful:
- Please do not litter.
- Minimize your own trash. Reduce the amount of waste you bring into our parks by using re-usable containers that you can bring home afterward.
- Use the garbage cans located throughout our parks.
- Practice pack it in, pack it out. If you bring something with you, take it with you when you leave. That includes food scraps and beverage containers.
Visit the Sacramento County Regional Parks for more information. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Call 3-1-1 to report non-emergency or maintenance issues.