People soon will be able to enjoy enhanced jogging paths, picnic areas and landscaping that are part of a project to improve portions of McKinley Park above ground and construct a combined storm water and wastewater storage tank below ground.
City Utilities crews recently finished work on the storage tank, called the McKinley Water Vault, which will reduce flooding of nearby streets during storms.
The vault is an important part of the City’s storm drain system, staff said.
“Sacramento has what’s called a ‘combined sewer system,'” said James Yorita, McKinley Water Vault project manager. “That means many of our storm drains carry away rain water as well as sewage. If the pipes are full during heavy rains, that combined water can flow back onto City streets, something that the vault will help reduce.”
Crews now are working to finish improvements to the park, which will include upgraded jogging paths, new restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ pits, benches, shade structures, landscaping and more than 60 new trees.
People can view virtual renderings of the coming improvements.
“We worked with the Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment department and the community to decide what kinds of park enhancements would be in place after the project finished,” said Yorita. “People said they wanted jogging path enhancements, more trees, bathrooms and a multi-purpose field that could be used for sports, concerts in the park and other events.”
City staff expect improvements to the park will be finished by the end of summer.