Representatives from Carmichael Recreation and Parks District, Xeel Engineering, CA Assemblyman Josh Hoover’s office, and CA Senator Roger Niello's office break ground on improvements at Cardinal Oaks Park on May 27.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Cardinal Oaks Park, a hidden gem in western Carmichael is getting a much-needed polish. Bordered by El Camino Avenue to the south and Kenneth Avenue to the north, Cardinal Oaks Parks is a quiet local community green belt with aging amenities and limited accessibility. Thanks to funding from Measure G and the COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) the park is currently undergoing improvements to its facilities and grounds.

On most days Cardinal Oaks Park sees a few dog-walkers, children playing soccer or residents enjoying the shade of tall redwoods and majestic oaks. An old swing on a metal chain squeals while squirrels scamper across green fields, and birds sing and flit amongst the trees.

On Wednesday, May 27, heavy equipment hummed hard at work in the background, while local community members gathered with representatives from Carmichael Recreation and Parks District (CRPD), local lawmakers and construction project managers for a groundbreaking ceremony at Cardinal Oaks Park.

CRPD District Administrator Stacey Yankee stressed the value of voter-approved funding. Voters within the CRPD passed General Obligation Bond Measure G with 67% of the vote in 2022.

“Measure G has allowed us to do so much in this district, and we're thinking beyond simply maintaining our parks,” said Yankee. “It's allowed us to reimagine what our parks are gonna look like for the future generations.”

District 3 Supervisor Rich Desmond reminisced about playing with his young children at Cardinal Oaks Park when his family lived just a couple blocks away, and emphasized the important role that parks play in the identity of a community.

“They are what creates the fabric of our community…what brings us together,” he said.

District 3 Supervisor Rich Desmond speaks to the community at Cardinal Oaks Park in Carmichael on May 27.

Supervisor Desmond, along with his colleagues at the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, approved $325,000 in discretionary ARPA funding to help make the park improvements a reality. The ARPA funds are part of the $1.9 trillion federal economic stimulus package that helped the nation out of the COVID epidemic.

Construction efforts at Cardinal Oaks Park are being managed by Xeela Engineering, LLC. While construction is ongoing, CRPD officials said the community should plan for complete closure of the park through the beginning of August. Project completion is scheduled for the end of October 2026.

This map displays the improvements being made at Cardinal Oaks Park. The park is scheduled to reopen in October 2026.

In the meantime residents can look forward to the exciting new amenities at the park. A parking lot at the southern entrance, improved pathways throughout the park and a new water fountain will all offer increased accessibility and meet ADA compliance. New playground equipment will give children of all ages better options for exploration and adventure. Increased lighting along pathways in the park will improve safety.

In just a few months the whole community — the dog-walkers, the soccer players, the squirrels, the birds and all the rest — will have a brand new Cardinal Oaks Park to come home to.

For more information about the CRPD and other Measure G projects visit: https://www.carmichaelpark.com/measure-g-projects.