As Sacramentans get ready for the final holiday weekend of summer, Sacramento County’s Department of Regional Parks is reminding visitors to have fun and be safe. People of all ages should be aware of the rules and regulations at County parks. These rules promote safety and help preserve the parks.
- 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.
- Be Safe in the Water:
- Life Looks Good on You! Drowning doesn’t. Everyone who uses the river should bring and wear a life jacket. Even strong swimmers can get pulled under. There are life vest borrowing stations for adult-sized life vests at Sacramento area fire stations and at Discovery Park.
- All children under 13 years of age must wear a life preserver when accessing any public water within the County (Sacramento County Ordinance 13.08.301).
- The Kids Don’t Float program, a partnership funded by the American River Parkway Foundation, provides free loaner life vests at seven locations on the Parkway.
- Sacramento County recommends that people of all ages and abilities use caution when swimming or boating. For tips about staying safe around public waterways, visit the Sacramento County Regional Parks Water Safety website.
- Alcohol Prohibited for the Holiday Weekend:
- Beginning on Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5, alcohol consumption and possession of open containers is prohibited on the shore and river of the American River Parkway between Watt and Hazel Avenues.
- County Rangers will also continue to enforce the year-round alcohol restrictions from Watt to Discovery Park.
- Parking Fee Increase:
- The number of visitors to Regional Parks dramatically increases during holiday weekends, which increases the cost to staff and maintain the parks. To offset these costs and to provide maximum staffing and enforcement, the vehicle entrance fee will increase to the following at all County parks:
- $8 for single vehicles
- $13 for oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft
- This increase will not affect annual pass holders. Visitors who regularly enjoy County Parks are encouraged to purchase an Annual Parks Pass to save money on entry fees and to help keep our parks safe and clean.
Dial 3-1-1 or 916-875-7275 to report park maintenance issues. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
For more information on Sacramento County Regional Parks, visit
www.sacparks.net.
