Commission unanimously recommends approval of future neighborhood park master plan after months of public input
Plans for the future Jackrabbit Hill Park are now headed back to the Folsom City Council for final approval later this month following unanimous support from the city’s Parks & Recreation Commission.
During its regular meeting on May 5, the commission voted unanimously to approve the proposed Jackrabbit Hill Park Master Development Plan and formally recommend that the City Council adopt the vision for the future neighborhood park planned within the growing Folsom Plan Area.
The proposed 10.75-acre neighborhood park is planned along Empire Ranch Road and is expected to eventually serve surrounding residential neighborhoods as development in the area continues. City officials say the project has been shaped through months of planning, workshops and public outreach designed to gather community feedback and help determine the long-term vision for the site.
According to city officials, the master development plan is intended to establish the overall framework for the future park, including recreational opportunities, circulation, gathering areas and open space concepts that will guide future design and construction phases.
The Parks & Recreation Commission’s recommendation marks one of the final major milestones before the project advances into its next stages.
“The milestone reflects extensive community input and thoughtful planning to create a space that supports recreation, wellness, and connection for residents of all ages,” city officials stated in announcing the upcoming council review.
Public outreach for the project has included multiple community engagement opportunities throughout early 2026, including workshops held Jan. 26 and Feb. 23 at Alder Creek Elementary School where residents were invited to review early concepts, share priorities and provide feedback directly to planners and city staff.
The project has also included a community-driven naming process that resulted in the official adoption of the name Jackrabbit Hill Park earlier this year. The city received 131 public name submissions before a shortlist of finalists was reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Commission Planning Subcommittee and later presented publicly. Finalists included Golden Vista Park, Hawk Ridge Park, Jackrabbit Hill Park and Sanjivini Park before the commission ultimately recommended Jackrabbit Hill Park for City Council approval.
The City Council is now scheduled to consider final approval of the master development plan during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Folsom City Hall, 50 Natoma Street.
Residents who cannot attend in person will be able to watch the meeting live online through the city’s webcast system.
If approved by the City Council, the project is expected to move into the detailed design and engineering phase beginning later this year. Current project timelines project design and engineering work continuing into early 2027, followed by bidding and contract awards before construction begins.
Construction is currently anticipated to begin in May 2027 and continue through spring 2028, followed by a maintenance and establishment phase before the park’s projected opening in July 2028.
Residents seeking additional information about the project can contact the city’s park planning division atparkplanning@folsom.ca.usor visit the City of Folsom’s parks planning webpage online.
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