“The Land Park Community Association completely supports their desire to upgrade their facilities and to expand, but we want it done in a thoughtful manner.”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Key players behind a proposed expansion of the Sacramento Zoo are continuing discussions about what comes next, as nearby residents push for a greater voice in the process.

The Land Park Community Association said people who live near the zoo are not opposed to the idea of expanding the popular attraction, but want to ensure any land used is carefully planned and developed with community input.

Residents also want reassurance that the zoo has fully considered how an expansion could affect the surrounding neighborhood, including traffic, parking and safety concerns.

Every year, the zoo draws about 500,000 visitors from across the region, making it a longstanding destination for families.

“We love the zoo. We’ve done their little peeps class. We just like to come and see the animals and hang out with friends, and we’re excited to see the new dinosaurs today,” said Melanie Jakle, a mother from Carmichael.

Because of that popularity, discussions about expanding the zoo have been ongoing for decades, said Kristina Rogers, president of the Land Park Community Association.

“The Land Park Community Association completely supports their desire to upgrade their facilities and to expand, but we want it done in a thoughtful manner, and we would like to have a seat at the table because our regional park is not just a regional park. It is also embedded in a community and the people that live here,” Rogers said.

City leaders were set to review a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday between the city and the Sacramento Zoological Society to explore a potential six-acre expansion of the zoo.

Possible expansion areas include a section known as Daffodil Hill and a nearby pony ride area across the street, according to Rogers, who said residents have questions about how those spaces would be used and how increased foot traffic would be managed.

“They’re looking at it expanding here in this area. It’s called Daffodil Hill, and then they’re also looking at the pony ride area, which is right across the street from the zoo. Both those areas are possibilities, but there will be questions about foot traffic, parking, what they’re gonna put there, all those things,” Rogers said.

The item was removed from Tuesday’s city council agenda and will be taken up at a later meeting.

Kevin McCarty said in a statement that the zoo recently marked 100 years in Land Park and that the city is committed to keeping it there long term while working through minor amendments to the agreement.

Visitors said they support keeping the zoo in its current location if the expansion is handled responsibly.

“I think if it’s done responsibly, it could really benefit the community. They, like I mentioned to you, would have to redo a traffic plan to accommodate the extra parking and the impact to the surrounding neighborhoods, but I think it can be done well with proper planning,” said Stephanie Collin Sowers, a mother from Grass Valley.

There is no set date for when the proposal will return to the city council agenda. Councilmember Rick Jennings said the item could be reconsidered next week or moved to April if needed.

Rogers says the association plans to have another meeting in June where residents can also come and voice their concerns. 

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