As Sacramento residents prepare for the year’s final summer holiday weekend,
Sacramento County’s Department of Regional Parks is reminding visitors to stay safe while having fun. People of all ages should be aware of the rules and regulations at County parks. These rules promote safety, help preserve the parks and ensure that everyone has a fun holiday weekend.
Whether you’re in the river, our parks or just exercising outdoors in your neighborhood, please practice social distancing.
That means:
- Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from individuals who are not part of the same household or living unit
- Frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer that is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as effective in combatting COVID-19
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or fabric or, if not possible, into the sleeve or elbow (but not into hands);
- Avoiding all social interactions outside the household when sick with a fever or cough.
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. There are borrowing stations along Sacramento’s waterways and at local fire stations. Remember, even the strongest swimmer can be pulled under by the strong river currents.
- 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.
Alcohol Prohibited for the Holiday Weekend:
- Beginning Saturday, Sep. 5 through Monday, Sep. 7, possession of alcohol is prohibited on the shore and river of the American River within Sacramento County Regional Parks’ jurisdiction. The prohibition includes open or closed alcoholic beverages.
- County Rangers will also continue to enforce the year-round alcohol restrictions from Paradise Beach to Discovery Park.
Prevent Wildfires:
- All fireworks are prohibited in Regional Parks.
- 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.
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 $8 for single vehicles and $13 for oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft, from Sep. 5 through Sep. 7.
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.
Call 3-1-1 to report non-emergency or maintenance issues.
