Mascots Dinger (River Cats) and Mooie (West Sacramento) engage with children at the park opening.

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – On June 18, the City of West Sacramento celebrated the opening of the city’s 40th park, Washington Park, located at Sixth and E Streets. The half-acre park is the first in the city’s Washington District.

According to officials, plans for the site near Sutter Health Park began over 20 years ago. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the project in July 2025, with it being completed one year later.

“This is an exciting milestone for our city,” said Kate Smith, director of parks and recreation. “Parks are among the most visible and impactful investments a city can make. They provide places for recreation, exercise, relaxation and connection.”

Smith said Washington Park’s opening launches a series of park openings across the city, with Westacre Park set to open July 9.

Washington Park was completed in collaboration with BlackPine Communities, a Sacramento-based private real estate development and homebuilding company. According to Mike Paris, president and COO, the company came onboard the project in 2016 with initial plans to start building in January 2020.

“Here we are today and I’m very proud of the effort they’ve put forth – everybody involved,” Paris said. “A lot of fingerprints were involved in this.”

According to Paris, the process of building the park involved acquiring properties from two individuals. BlackPine built three homes for those individuals, allowing them to remain in the city despite their displacement, Paris said.

The park is part of the BlackPine Communities Four40 West Project, which plans to bring 106 new homes, new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and recreational amenities to West Sacramento. For more information, visit: https://blackpinecommunities.com/communities/four-40-west/index

“High quality parks and public spaces are an engine for economic development,” said Traci Michael, director of West Sacramento’s economic development and housing department.

Also present at the ribbon cutting ceremony was West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero who thanked the large crowd of community members that gathered for the park opening.

“As mayor, it has been one of my greatest responsibilities in helping people ensure that our city grows in a way that improves the quality of life for every resident,” said Guerrero.

Guerrero said parks including Washington Park contribute to the draw of the riverfront community for businesses and families looking to relocate to the area.

“New businesses invest in our community, and as our neighborhoods continue to thrive, we must continue investing in places that bring people together,” Guerrero said. “Parks are where childhood memories are made. They are where neighbors become friends.”

Mascots Dinger (River Cats) and Mooie (West Sacramento) participated in the cutting of the ribbon alongside Guerrero, Paris and children of the West Sacramento community who have a new place to play and make memories.

The half-acre park features lawn space, shaded picnic spaces, a children's playground and a public art installation by local artist Roger Berry. All parks in West Sacramento are open from dawn until dusk.