The long-awaited Prospector Park, the first public park in the Folsom Ranch area, is set to officially open to the public this Saturday, December 7. Located at 4578 Sparrow Drive next to Mangini Ranch Elementary School, the park marks a significant milestone in the City of Folsom’s South of Highway 50 development plan.
The City of Folsom invites residents and visitors to join in celebrating the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. The event will include light refreshments and kid-friendly activities, followed by an opportunity for attendees to explore the park’s many features.
A unique park for all
Spanning 11.8 acres, Prospector Park is designed to cater to a variety of recreational activities and community needs. It includes a children’s play area with designated spaces for ages 2–5 and 5–12, featuring two parallel ziplines—the first of their kind in Folsom. For sports enthusiasts, the park offers lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and a multi-use field that can accommodate soccer, ultimate frisbee, rugby, and large community events such as festivals or farmers markets. A dedicated dog park includes separate sections for large and small dogs, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for furry friends.
For gatherings, the park features a group picnic area with a large 25-by-40-foot shade structure, as well as additional smaller shaded seating areas. Nature lovers can explore the open-space conservation area, which includes meandering walkways, bridge crossings, and passive seating. A 0.41-mile concrete pathway loops through the park, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. Modern amenities include a 118-space parking lot, a single-user all-gender restroom, and bike parking, ensuring convenience for visitors.
Park is nod to area’s history
Prospector Park pays homage to the region’s Gold Rush heritage with its name and design elements. Decorative metal art panels throughout the park reflect the area’s historic gold mining legacy, adding a unique aesthetic to the space.
“The park name is a tribute to the prospectors who came to this region in search of gold during the Gold Rush,” said Brad Nelson, Folsom’s Park Planning Manager. “We wanted to incorporate that history into the park’s theme and design.”
First area park with ziplines
The highlight for many will be the park’s two parallel ziplines, a new feature for Folsom parks. “For us, the most exciting thing is having these ziplines, which will really elevate the level of play for kids,” Nelson said in an earlier interview with Folsom Times during the park’s construction.
From planning to reality
The journey to create Prospector Park began with public input and careful planning. In 2021, Folsom Parks & Recreation hosted community workshops to gather feedback on desired features and amenities for the park. The Preferred Master Plan was finalized and approved by the Folsom City Council in October 2021.
The park’s name was selected through a public naming process. After reviewing submissions, the Folsom Parks & Recreation Commission recommended “Prospector Park,” which was officially approved by the City Council in January 2022. Construction began shortly thereafter, transforming the once-empty site into a vibrant community hub.
The public is encouraged to attend the grand opening festivities this Saturday. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees can enjoy refreshments, participate in family-friendly activities, and explore the park’s expansive grounds.
Prospector Park is located at 4578 Sparrow Drive, Folsom, CA 95630, adjacent to Mangini Ranch Elementary School. With its grand opening, Prospector Park sets the tone for future developments in Folsom Ranch, providing a space where families and friends can gather, play, and connect.