Many existing buildings like the giraffe stable could be repurposed into amenities such as a bat or bird sanctuary. Photo by Kristina Rogers

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Recently, the Elk Grove City Council approved the move of the Sacramento Zoo to their city. It may be a surprise to some, but to those who have been around for some time, it isn’t.

Expanding the zoo to support the needs of the animals has been a discussion for decades. The zoo opened in William Land Park in 1927. The only expansion was in the 1960s, making it the 14.2 acres it is today.

Around the late 80s, the zoo was looking to expand again. That’s when neighbors formed a group to protect the park, which later became the Land Park Community Association, or LPCA. Expansion would have impacted the baseball fields and picnic areas nearby. Even then, neighbors understood there were only two choices for the zoo: to remain at its current size or relocate to a larger space.

 Many existing buildings like the giraffe stable could be repurposed into amenities such as a bat or bird sanctuary. Photo by Kristina Rogers

 People ask what will happen to the artistic animal bike racks, created by local metal artist Gina Rossie and donated by the Land Park Community Association. Photo by Kristina Rogers

After years of searching, the zoo has found a new home. Elk Grove is planning to open its zoo in 2029, leaving the space in Sacramento empty by 2028. A new generation of LPCA board members is once again participating in the conversation.

With the support of board member Jeff Coleman, the LPCA launched a community survey to collect people’s thoughts on what they want to see in the empty zoo space.

Firstly, it is essential to know the city has parameters for what can go into that space. For example, it cannot be used for housing or private business. It should be family-friendly and affordable. It must be privately-managed like Fairytale Town and Funderland (neither of those sites receives money from the city). There may be other restrictions that are currently unknown. 

 Land Park neighbors would like to keep the carousel that generations of neighborhood children have enjoyed. Photo by Kristina Rogers

Over 600 people participated in the survey. Respondents had many ideas and lots of feedback. 76% approved of natural/outdoor education offerings, while 75% wanted an animal sanctuary or wildlife rehab center. This could include a bat sanctuary, butterfly pavilion or bird sanctuary. Several respondents liked the idea of a Japanese garden with a tea house. It would also honor the historical Japanese culture in the community. 69 to 71% asked for a multi-use community center. It could also be a space for weddings, open-air markets and concerts. 68% asked for sports facilities, mainly aquatic. Neighbors have commented that William Land Park has no public pool or community center. The new amenities would include both neighbors and visitors to Land Park.

And although the arts were not listed in the survey, it’s assumed an artistic component would benefit the space as well.

Survey respondents also shared concerns such as parking overflow onto neighborhood streets. Noise levels are a worry, too. Land Park residents are used to many visitors on holiday weekends in the park and some after-hours events at the zoo. This is possible for the new space, but to be kept to a minimum. During regular hours, the space should be available to children and adults.

Many were apprehensive about the site’s future architectural character, but that may already be determined. In 2023, the front of the zoo was designated a historic landmark by the city council and cannot be torn down. The entrance could be a blueprint for the rest of the area — an open, airy, mid-century-modern look with plenty of green spaces to calm the soul.

There were also questions about repurposing structures inside the zoo. For instance, the carousel is a favorite among local families. Solid, brick buildings like the giraffe stable, reptile house and veterinarian clinic could be reused. In addition, there are plenty of mature trees, plants and flowers along pathways. It would be nice to keep some of that as well.

 This is a rendering of what is possible for the space after the Sacramento Zoo leaves. This image is only a mock-up and has not been viewed or approved by the City. Image courtesy of neighbor Brandon Testa

Finally, there are large pieces of artwork throughout the zoo that were donated in past years. What is their future?

This may seem like a tall order for a developer. It’s inevitable that only some of the things on the wish list are possible. But building a space with the neighborhood in mind will help harmonize it with the rest of the area. And creating something new with a nod to Land Park’s history and natural beauty will certainly win the hearts of the community.

It’s possible that the space is large enough to handle several different amenities, fulfilling many wishes. In the end, 71% hoped the new attraction would bring in about the same number of visitors as the current zoo.

Now that the survey is closed, the LPCA is discussing next steps. One is to share the full survey results with their city councilmember Rick Jennings and his staff. The next is to request to participate in the process of determining the next amenity in the space.