A new park in South Natomas is turning a once-vacant corner into a place for play, connection, and community. Thelma Park, located at Thelma and Hawk avenues, will soon open to the public, offering local families and residents a new outdoor space to play, gather, and connect.

“Thelma Park shows what’s possible when we invest in our neighborhoods and listen to the community,” said Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes, who represents the area. “It’s exciting to see this vacant lot transformed into a space where families can play.”

The 0.23-acre park (2324 Thelma Ave.) includes a playground with shaded equipment, a picnic area with a shade structure, benches, and drought-tolerant landscaping. The design reflects community input gathered during the planning process and supports the City’s sustainability efforts through water-efficient irrigation and the use of recycled materials.

“We’re excited to see Thelma Park come to life and provide another safe, beautiful space for the community to gather,” said Jason Wiesemann, YPCE’s park planning and development services manager. “This project reflects the City’s continued commitment to improving quality of life through neighborhood parks.”

Thelma Park was made possible through $775,000 in total funding, including $25,000 from the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency through a Community Development Block Grant for planning, $500,000 from then Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, and $250,000 from the South Natomas Community Improvement Fund.

To celebrate the opening, Vice Mayor Talamantes will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Thelma Park. City staff and community partners will join the Vice Mayor in welcoming residents to enjoy this new neighborhood space.

For more information about the event, contact district3@cityofsacramento.org.