McKinley East Sacramento Neighborhood Association (MENA)

Joggers battle McKinley mud

Oct 13, 2005

Joggers battle McKinley mud
Special to MENA

The running path around McKinley Park has been turned into a mote with the ancient application and placement of the sprinkler system nearby. Joggers and walkers have been commenting how difficult it is to use the path, especially in the mornings. The problem is not necessarily the park?’s fault. The park came first.
The decomposed granite stretch that circles around the outside of the park and the extension around the Shepard?’s Garden and Arts center was added within the last 30 years. The watering system was never adapted to the new path.
The cost to repair the sprinkler system ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, according to Randy Will of the Sacramento City Parks Department. The lower estimate is if city crews do the work, while the higher number is if the project is contracted out. Some recent ?“corrections?” of the placement of heads has been accomplished, most notably at the stretch that runs down H Street from 33 Street to Alhambra.

The city is aware of the problem and is taking the first steps toward fixing the problem. Besides talking with joggers and walkers out on the path, the city has applied for a $12,000 grant to work on the H Street side of the path.
Ken Ives, a member of the McKinley Elvas Neighborhood Alliance parks committee, is kicking around the idea of helping to organize a run to benefit the park and the antiquated sprinkler system. McKinley park acting as host to a run, however, has always been a challenge due to parking constraints. MENA committee members are also looking into asking Sacramento Councilman Steve Cohn?’s office if some of the funds from the popular East Sac fundraiser Pops in the Park can be earmarked for the jogging trail.
Another improvement to the jogging trail will be coming this fall with installation of additional lights along the path, sponsored in part by MENA.