Elk Grove Nature Park

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PROJECT TIMELINE

Park Planning Phases


Current Status: Grand Opening

Proposed Schedule

  • Construction Start: May 2022
  • Construction End: August 2022
  • Plant Establishment Period: 30 Calendar Days
  • Park Opens to the Public: September 2022

DESIGN

A Park With Purpose

Utilizing green infrastructure approaches, this future nature park located behind the Cosumnes Community Services District Administration Building 8820 Elk Grove Blvd. will manage stormwater runoff, provide wildlife habitat, promote environmental awareness, and contribute to the wellbeing of our Elk Grove Community. See the full conceptual design.

Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration

The Cosumnes Community Services District, acting as the Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has released a Notice of Intent (NOI) prepared for the Elk Grove Nature Park Project (proposed project) for a 30-day review and public comment period. The purpose of an NOI is to allow public agencies, organizations, bands and interested members of the public the opportunity to provide a meaningful response related to the scope and content of the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). Comments should be submitted no later than 5:00 PM on December 9, 2021.

Community Collaboration

Over 120 community members provided feedback on the conceptual plan and what they want to see in the future nature park by completing an online survey. The Nature Park Team conducted a virtual event on May 28, 2020 to share more information about the project and answer questions. A recording of the virtual event can be watched on Facebook. The feedback received from both the survey and virtual event will help influence the final master plan of this nature park.

Conceptual Plan

Elk Grove Nature Park Concept Plan Draft

Rain Garden Volunteer Day

Nature Park volunteers huddled around for a meeting before planting commence.

On May 8, 2021, a combination of District Staff and volunteers installed a new rain garden at the Elk Grove Nature Park site. Over 300 plants were used to create this beautiful piece of green infrastructure, including drought-tolerant varieties of achillea, agave, aloe, lomandra, penstemon and salvia. 

Prior to the event, Urban Rain Design and the California Student Leadership in Green Infrastructure worked to remove the existing turf. They also created a depression to retain storm water on site by first removing, and then grading the remaining soil.

Green Infrastructure in Parks

Green stormwater infrastructure in parks offer an effective way to positively impact environmental and social change. Projects can mitigate the effects of climate-related weather events, improve community health, increase access to green space and nature, and provide opportunities for education, employment and social inclusion.

Green infrastructure uses natural processes to filter and slow the flow of stormwater to protect communities from flooding and restore waterways. Examples of green infrastructure projects include rain gardens, bioswales, constructed wetlands, daylighted streams and permeable pavements.

This site in Elk Grove is receiving grant funding through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Great Urban Parks Campaign. The Great Urban Parks Campaign aims to demonstrate the social and environmental benefits of green stormwater infrastructure in underserved communities — including increased public access to recreational opportunities and access to nature via parks.

For more information about the Great Urban Parks Campaign, visit NRPA's website. To learn more about the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure in parks, watch this video:

SMUD Shine Award Partners

This project has received grant funding from SMUD for the construction of ADA-accessible pathways near wetlands. The Shine Award contribution will enhance the educational curriculum and bring inclusivity to this natural habitat. Thank you to our partners!

STAY INFORMED

A Joint Venture By:

Nature Park Sponsors_website