Welcome to the City of Citrus Heights - Park

Since incorporation, the City and the Sunrise Recreation and Park District have had a successful partnership in a variety of programs, facilities and other community enhancements. Below is a list of current "hot projects" and other historical partnerships.

Current Hot Projects

Arcade Creek Park Preserve - 9.1 acres fronting Sunrise Blvd. opposite Staples Department Store near Greenback Lane. This parcel is largely in a flood plain and is adjacent to Arcade Creek. Noe Villa will be the project manager on behalf of the District and will be consulting with Foothill Associates Landscape Architects (retained by the District to assist in creating the Construction Documents needed to develop the site). The Arcade Creek Park Preserve Master Plan was approved at the July 21, 2009 County Board Meeting and includes the following amenities:

Walking Paths - The number one item requested by users of our parks are walking or exercise paths. This site will accommodate 3700 feet of paved walking path to be used for exercise and exploration of the natural beauty of this little gem that is tucked away next to Arcade Creek. This path will connect Sayonara with Sunrise Blvd. and Bonham Circle.
Interpretive stations - Areas for discovery will be combined with activity, a learning environment for all age groups.
New Play Equipment - The Children that attended the community meeting would like play equipment that is indicative of the natural environment found along the creek. Items like, rope swings and climbing rocks. Future meetings will help nail down the specifics of the design.
Picnic Shelter - A small area for a dozen or so persons to sit and enjoy a picnic in the shade that would be close to the play area.
Parking lot - Neighbors requested a small parking lot for school children and for park users who may want to drive to the site for their visit since parking is limited on Bonham Circle and no Parking is available on Sunrise.
Creek Restoration - With the residential and commercial development in the area upstream and with the related paved surfaces that come with those types of developments, we have noticed an increased in the runoff into Arcade Creek. This additional water has increased the flow rate which in turn is causing erosion of the banks which is going downstream and is eventually being deposited somewhere off site. This project proposes to lay back the banks to reduce the speed at which the water flows thus slowing down the rate of erosion. After laying back the banks, they will be revegetated with native vegetation that will aid in conserving the soil and increasing habitat for local native species.
Native Landscaping - In areas where park patrons may come close to neighbors, native plantings will be established to screen the two from each other, giving each a sense of privacy.
Connection to Sayonara Drive - There are two parcels of property owned by the City of Citrus Heights (APN 243-0276-011 and 243-0410-001) that create an access point and connection to the Arcade Creek Park Preserve. The City of Citrus Heights has deeded these properties to the Sunrise Recreation and Park District at the September 27th, 2012 Council meeting. The newly revised project will now include total connectivity from Sayonara Drive to Bonham Circle and Sunrise Blvd.

The District was successful in obtaining a Park Development Grant to aide in the designing and constructing the main park features. A Community meeting will be held at the Sayonara Community Center on November 14, at 6:00PM, 7836 Sayonara Drive. For more information regarding the workshops and the project, contact Noe Villa @ (916) 725-0430 or nvilla@sunriseparks.com.

Historical Log
Improved Park and Recreational Facilities

Sunrise Recreation and Park District is the local agency with jurisdiction over park and recreation facilities within the City. The Park District has been extremely supportive of incorporation and many partnerships to improve the community have occurred between the City and the District. For the first few years after incorporation, the Park District opened its facilities to the City to hold City Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings at Rusch Park or Crosswoods Community Center. In addition, the City has provided the district with funding to improve and provide new park facilities throughout the community and both agencies have partnered on a variety of events and other programming to enhance the community.

Park Impact Fees - Prior to incorporation, there were no park impact fees collected on new development in Citrus Heights. This meant that capital funds for new parks were very limited. In 1999, the City imposed park impact development fees and over $680,000 has been collected to date. These fees are collected and retained by the City. The Park District brings proposals forward for consideration and with the City's agreement that funds are allocated. A portion of these funds were used in the development of the new Stock Ranch Park.
Skateboard Park - City funded $225,000 to construct a Skateboard Park on Park District property; owned and operated by the Park District.
Rusch Park Swimming Pool Enhancement - The Park District had approximately $2.9 million from grant and other funding to completely renovate this 34 year-old facility. City contributed an additional $200,000 to provide additional funding for a shade structure over the bleachers at Rusch Park Aquatic Complex.
Crosswoods Play Equipment Renovation - City contributed $35,000 in funds to provide new play equipment, picnic tables and benches at this site.
Rusch Play Equipment renovation - $20,000 in funds were used in the renovation of the play equipment located at the picnic reservation area at Rusch Park.
Greenback Wood Park - City funded $12,000 to construct a shade structure with two picnic tables and a park bench.
Rusch - City contributed $150,000 for the Restroom located at the craft center.
Rusch - City contributed $670,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to provide new play equipment at nine park sites throughout the community.
Westwood Park phase III Development - City funded $237,000 to construct Tennis Courts, a basketball court, shaded picnic area and play equipment renovation.
C Bar C Park - The City contributed 32,000 in funds, to assist the Park District in landscaping the south end of C Bar C Park along Oak Avenue. The area received grading irrigation, turf and oak trees. This area of Oak Avenue is now greener thanks to the Citizens' that requested that this area of Oak Ave. be "greened up" and the city for their funding for the project.