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McKinley Park: A Sacramento Landmark

Discover Sacramento's historic McKinley Park: recreation, gardens, community, and natural beauty in the heart of East Sacramento.

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McKinley Park, established in 1871, is a historic 32-acre park in East Sacramento offering a blend of recreation and natural beauty. With a rose garden, community center, library, lake, and sports facilities, it's a beloved community hub.

A brief summary to McKinley Park

Local tips

  • Visit the Rose Garden in late spring or early summer for the best blooms.
  • Check the Sacramento365 calendar for events like concerts and farmers' markets.
  • Parking can be limited, especially on weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy by the pond or in the Rose Garden.
  • Consider bringing frozen peas or spinach to feed the ducks and geese.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the East Sacramento neighborhood, McKinley Park is easily accessible on foot. Use Alhambra Boulevard or McKinley Boulevard to orient yourself. The park is bounded by McKinley Boulevard to the north, H Street to the south, Alhambra Boulevard to the west, and 33rd Street to the east. Pedestrian entrances are available on all sides.

  • Public Transport

    Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) buses serve the area. Bus lines 30, 67, and 68 have stops near McKinley Park. Check the SacRT website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ride fare is $2.50.

  • Driving

    From downtown Sacramento, take H Street or Alhambra Boulevard east. McKinley Park will be on your left. Limited free street parking is available around the park's perimeter. Note that parking is restricted to three hours on the streets directly surrounding the park. Consider using parking apps like SpotHero to find and reserve parking nearby. Metered parking may be available on streets further from the park. Parking under the W/X freeway is $2 per day.

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Discover more about McKinley Park

McKinley Park, a verdant oasis in East Sacramento, has been a community cornerstone since 1871. Originally established by the Sacramento Street Railway Company to attract streetcar passengers, the park has evolved into a 32-acre multi-faceted recreational and cultural center. The park boasts a diverse landscape, including open grassy meadows, mature trees, and the serene Lake Keisel, a remnant of a former slough. The lake, enhanced with a nesting island for ducks and geese, adds to the park's tranquil atmosphere. The McKinley Park Rose Garden, established in 1928, is a highlight, featuring over 1,000 rose bushes and vibrant annuals. McKinley Park provides a wide array of activities. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and horseshoe pits. A playground offers entertainment for children. The Clunie Community Center and McKinley Library host events and provide resources for the community. The Shepard Garden and Arts Center provides artistic enrichment. Throughout its history, McKinley Park has been a focal point for community gatherings, from early picnics and social dances to modern-day farmers' markets and concerts. The park's significance has been recognized with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

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