Regional and city leaders join the groundbreaking ceremony for Bryte Park. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - A new beginning for one of West Sacramento’s oldest parks is finally here. The City of West Sacramento broke ground on the Bryte Park Improvements Project on Aug. 20, making way for major renovations that will expand recreation opportunities and create new spaces for residents and families.

A $64 million-plus investment will reshape the 24.5-acre park to provide more ways for residents of different ages, abilities and interests to be active, spend time outdoors and connect with their community. Improvements will include a new aquatics facility, sports and fitness amenities, nine acres of new natural grass field space, all-weather sports field, three natural grass ball fields, outdoor amphitheater, shaded gathering areas and plenty of spaces for community activities.

“Bryte Park has been the heart of the northern side of West Sacramento for generations,” said Mayor Martha Guerrero. “For years, residents have asked to have their community pool restored and for Bryte Park to be retrofitted with the same modernized amenities as other parks, and we are fulfilling that long-standing request. As West Sacramento continues to grow, this investment will create more opportunities for our children to play, families to gather, athletes to compete, and residents of all ages to enjoy a welcoming and vibrant Bryte Park for generations to come.”

The city will plant 216 new trees and more than 7,900 shrubs and groundcover plants, along with nearly nine acres of new natural grass field space. Wood from trees removed to accommodate the new pool, fields and infrastructure will be repurposed into benches and other park features across the city, creating a connection between the park’s history and the city.

The project is supported in part by $15 million in federal funding through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program. The nationally competitive program supports the development and renovation of public parks and outdoor recreation spaces in urban communities.

“My priority is delivering tangible federal investments where they will make a meaningful difference,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Parks are critical pieces of a healthy, connected neighborhood. That’s why I’m proud to have worked side by side with the City of West Sacramento to secure over $15 million from the National Park Service and an additional $750,000 through HUD to build a gathering space families will use for years to come.”

“California State Parks is proud to provide grant funding to help transform Bryte Park into a vibrant community gathering space for West Sacramento, which is in lockstep with the Newsom administration’s Outdoors for All initiative,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “This project is a perfect example of how State Parks continues to expand recreational opportunities and improve quality of life in thousands of communities across California through our Office of Grants and Local Services.”

In addition to this grant, Yolo County contributed $2.49 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funding for the project.

“I am grateful to the community members, local leaders, and our state and federal partners who worked together to make this project possible,” said Yolo County District 3 Supervisor Mary Vixie Sandy. “After years of planning, it is exciting to see it finally become a reality, with significant improvements residents will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

Yolo County District 1 Supervisor Oscar Villegas said, “The much-anticipated Bryte Park makeover will once again turn our park into a place that the community can be proud of for years to come. As a kid growing up playing at Bryte Park, it’s wonderful to know that future generations will enjoy all the modern amenities that this park will offer.”

Additional funding for the project came from: $1.5 million of General Fund Specified Grant Projects Program funding from the California Natural Resources Agency; and $185,000 from the Buena Vista Rancheria Community Fund.

The city has also worked with Washington Unified School District to advance the project and support long-term public access to the site.

Construction is anticipated to continue through 2029. During construction, portions of the park will be closed as work progresses. The city will continue to share information about construction activities, park access and project milestones with the community online.