Land park does not belong to the association. It is a regional park. It belongs to everyone in the region. It is not theirs. Therefore, the association does not have the right to dictate terms.
The Land Park Community Association understands change in Land Park is inevitable. We also want that change to reflect what makes William Land Regional Park a beloved place for all who visit and live nearby.
We understand this MOU begins the process for a Zoo expansion but does not promise it. We also understand that the Zoo has been looking to expand for over 41 years and has somehow maintained their zoo accreditation. So, there is no rush to make this happen, which allows the time for a thoughtful and clear plan everyone can support.
There are many points I could bring up, but here are 4 that stand out right now:
1. The Community Engagement Strategy includes a work group of community members including the LPCA. It’s designed to provide ideas and feedback to create a thoughtful expansion into the park. We are not a box to mark off, we will arrive ready for real dialogue, answers and respectful discussions to achieve a common goal.
2. Other zoos provide shuttles for visitors to mitigate traffic problems. This must be included. Land Park is already overburdened with traffic, especially on weekends and holidays.
3. Funding must be clear. When will the zoo be financially secure to begin the expansion? Have they handled any upgrades to their current footprint first?
4. A thoughtful timeline needs to be executed and shared with the public. It may change, but everyone should have an idea what to expect.
Again, the zoo has asked for an expansion for 41 years. A few of you might not have even been born then. If it takes another 10 years to break ground on an expansion, that’s okay. The goal is for a fabulous and sustainable Zoo that will be part of William Land Park for another 100+ years.
I am writing in support of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Zoological Society.
The Sacramento Zoo is a uniquely valuable local resource for families. It is one of the few places in our city specifically designed for children to engage directly with the natural world in a way that is accessible, affordable, and part of everyday life. For many families, it is not a one-time destination but a regular experience woven into childhood.
That kind of place is difficult to replace.
The staff report notes that the zoo serves approximately 500,000 visitors annually. For many of those visitors, especially young families, the value lies in its proximity and accessibility.
Ensuring that the zoo remains a vibrant, viable institution within Sacramento is therefore an investment in our children and in the strength of our community.
The proposed MOU is an appropriate and measured step. It does not commit the City to any specific expansion. Instead, it creates a framework to explore whether a modest increase in space, approximately 5.8 acres, could support improved animal habitats, enhance visitor experience, and secure the zoo’s long-term future in Land Park.
Just as importantly, it includes a process for community engagement and careful evaluation of impacts before any decisions are made.
Working collaboratively to find a path forward reflects the right approach. It keeps options open while recognizing the importance of this resource to Sacramento families.
I encourage you to approve the MOU and allow this work to move forward.
Respectfully,
Monica Baumann
Families for the Sacramento Zoo
Land park does not belong to the association. It is a regional park. It belongs to everyone in the region. It is not theirs. Therefore, the association does not have the right to dictate terms.
The Land Park Community Association understands change in Land Park is inevitable. We also want that change to reflect what makes William Land Regional Park a beloved place for all who visit and live nearby.
We understand this MOU begins the process for a Zoo expansion but does not promise it. We also understand that the Zoo has been looking to expand for over 41 years and has somehow maintained their zoo accreditation. So, there is no rush to make this happen, which allows the time for a thoughtful and clear plan everyone can support.
There are many points I could bring up, but here are 4 that stand out right now:
1. The Community Engagement Strategy includes a work group of community members including the LPCA. It’s designed to provide ideas and feedback to create a thoughtful expansion into the park. We are not a box to mark off, we will arrive ready for real dialogue, answers and respectful discussions to achieve a common goal.
2. Other zoos provide shuttles for visitors to mitigate traffic problems. This must be included. Land Park is already overburdened with traffic, especially on weekends and holidays.
3. Funding must be clear. When will the zoo be financially secure to begin the expansion? Have they handled any upgrades to their current footprint first?
4. A thoughtful timeline needs to be executed and shared with the public. It may change, but everyone should have an idea what to expect.
Again, the zoo has asked for an expansion for 41 years. A few of you might not have even been born then. If it takes another 10 years to break ground on an expansion, that’s okay. The goal is for a fabulous and sustainable Zoo that will be part of William Land Park for another 100+ years.
I am writing in support of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Zoological Society.
The Sacramento Zoo is a uniquely valuable local resource for families. It is one of the few places in our city specifically designed for children to engage directly with the natural world in a way that is accessible, affordable, and part of everyday life. For many families, it is not a one-time destination but a regular experience woven into childhood.
That kind of place is difficult to replace.
The staff report notes that the zoo serves approximately 500,000 visitors annually. For many of those visitors, especially young families, the value lies in its proximity and accessibility.
Ensuring that the zoo remains a vibrant, viable institution within Sacramento is therefore an investment in our children and in the strength of our community.
The proposed MOU is an appropriate and measured step. It does not commit the City to any specific expansion. Instead, it creates a framework to explore whether a modest increase in space, approximately 5.8 acres, could support improved animal habitats, enhance visitor experience, and secure the zoo’s long-term future in Land Park.
Just as importantly, it includes a process for community engagement and careful evaluation of impacts before any decisions are made.
Working collaboratively to find a path forward reflects the right approach. It keeps options open while recognizing the importance of this resource to Sacramento families.
I encourage you to approve the MOU and allow this work to move forward.
Respectfully,
Monica Baumann
Families for the Sacramento Zoo