JAX Exchange - Spring 2026 - Magazine - Page 65

23 MILES, ONE MISSION
T H E A M E R I C A N R I V E R PA R K WAY F O U N D A T I O N
Like a quiet invitation waiting to be opened, The
American River Parkway winds through the heart of our
city. Twenty-three miles. 4,800 acres. And according to a
2018 survey, only one in ten Sacramentans were aware
that it exists.
That’s why the American River Parkway Foundation
is committed to bringing the American River into the
forefront of community conversations, one volunteer, one
trail sign, and one awestruck visitor at a time.
The Foundation puts boots on the ground; more than
6,000 volunteers contribute roughly 16,000 hours
each year, removing trash, pulling invasive plants, and
restoring structures along the corridor.
Their Parkway Connect program, launched in 2021,
brings nonpro昀椀ts and community groups directly to
the water’s edge for various programs and activities.
In addition, their focus is also on creating river access
where it didn’t exist before. Communities like Natomas,
historically disconnected from the Parkway, are part of
that growing conversation.
Community education is at the core of what they do.
Through a partnership with the Sacramento County
O昀케ce of Education, the Foundation hosts Title 1
school groups at an outdoor education site along the
Parkway. The stakes of this work are real considering
that according to the Foundation, “Sixty-eight percent
of Sacramento County schools hold Title 1 status.” The
philosophy is simple: bring a child to nature, and you
might change how they see their community forever.
The Foundation is especially proud of a recent project
where they installed new way昀椀nding signage and mile
markers that help visitors navigate the Parkway with
clarity. Grant funding through the Teichert-Parkway
Fund supports economic projects that draw visitors from
beyond city limits, including a cross-country course near
Cal Expo and an archery range at Discovery Park.
The American River Parkway is a monument to
the hard work, dedication, and love of nature
that is shared by the citizens of Sacramento and
represented through foundations like these.
THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT THEM?
Find your nearest Parkway access and simply be
there.
SAVE THE DATE: May 16th
The 2nd Annual Burger Battle comes to Discovery
Park, where ten of Sacramento’s 昀椀nest chefs
compete for serious bragging rights.
Learn more about the foundation and become a
member starting at $5/month at
ARPF.ORG
JAX EXCHANGE
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