McKinley Park | Sacramento

McKinley Park is one of Sacramento’s most iconic and historic public parks. Nestled in the East Sacramento neighborhood, it spans approximately 32 acres and is a treasured community space that blends recreation, nature, history, and civic pride. Its tree-lined paths, elegant rose garden, family-friendly amenities, and recent infrastructure upgrades have made it a vital urban green space for over a century.

Historical Background

Origins (1871): McKinley Park was originally established in 1871 by the Sacramento Street Railway Company as “East Park.” It was created to attract riders to their horse-drawn streetcar line, and the park became a popular destination for leisure and recreation.

Renaming (1902): Following the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, the park was renamed in his honor in 1902 after being acquired by the City of Sacramento.

Over the decades, it evolved from a simple public space into a well-developed urban park that reflected changing community needs and recreational trends.

Key Features and Facilities

1. Frederick N. Evans Memorial Rose Garden

Created in 1928, this formal rose garden contains more than 1,200 rose bushes and serves as one of the park’s most picturesque features.

The garden is a popular venue for weddings, photography sessions, and public ceremonies.

It includes walkways, a pergola, and informational plaques about the flower varieties.

2. Lake Keisel (Duck Pond)

A central water feature named after Frederick Keisel, a prominent local businessman.

The pond is home to ducks, turtles, and other wildlife, offering a scenic environment and a peaceful setting for visitors.

In recent years, it has undergone ecological restoration projects to improve water quality, enhance stormwater management, and protect animal habitats.

3. Recreation and Sports Amenities

Tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer/softball fields are available and frequently used by local residents.

A volleyball court and multi-use grass fields accommodate both casual and organized sports.

The park also includes outdoor fitness stations, a jogging loop, and walking trails shaded by mature ginkgo, oak, and sycamore trees.

4. Children’s Playground and Splash Area

A modern, inclusive adventure playground includes climbing structures, swings, slides, and interactive elements suitable for children of various ages.

A spray pad/wading pool provides water play during hot summer months.

5. Clunie Community Center

Built in the 1930s, the Clunie Clubhouse houses meeting rooms, event spaces, and the McKinley Library, a branch of the Sacramento Public Library.

It is used for a variety of civic programs, educational workshops, and community meetings.

6. Shepard Garden and Arts Center

Located at the north end of the park, this center supports over 30 local garden, art, and cultural clubs.

It regularly hosts plant sales, art shows, and gardening classes, contributing to the park’s community-oriented programming.

Recent Improvements and Infrastructure

Stormwater Vault Project (Completed in 2021):
McKinley Park was the site of a major infrastructure project where a six-million-gallon underground stormwater storage vault was built. This was designed to reduce flooding in the surrounding neighborhood during heavy rains.

Park Upgrades:
As part of the surface restoration, the city enhanced amenities, including:

New restroom facilities

Improved walking and jogging paths

Additional picnic areas and barbecue pits

Over 60 new drought-tolerant trees

A new multi-use athletic field

More shaded seating areas

Events and Community Life

McKinley Park serves as a gathering place for public events such as:

Pops in the Park – a free summer concert series.

Farmers’ markets and local food fairs

Fitness classes, including yoga and tai chi.

Holiday celebrations, storytelling events, and children's programming.

Its central location and broad amenities make it a favorite destination for families, athletes, walkers, and cultural groups.

Environmental and Civic Importance

McKinley Park plays a key role in urban ecology, providing habitat for birds, bees, and small wildlife within a dense city environment.

The large tree canopy helps to cool the neighborhood, and the stormwater vault project has positioned the park as part of Sacramento’s climate resilience strategy.

It is also a model of how a historic urban park can be adapted to meet modern environmental, recreational, and civic needs.

McKinley Park continues to be a vital landmark not only for East Sacramento but for the city as a whole—a space where history, community, nature, and recreation meet in harmonious balance.