Eight years in execution, a link between Jensen Botanical Gardens and a community garden on Sutter Avenue was recently completed. The achievement is a triumph of cooperation between County, community, and Carmichael Park District.

Meandering through century-old olive trees, a new path provides picturesque interludes between two popular reserves. Once a thistle-thick obstacle course, the stroll is now easy for everyone and their dog. Indeed, after ribbon-cutting duties, County Supervisor Susan Peters and schnauzer Ernie were among the first to exploit the opportunity. “It’s a lovely walk on a lovely day,” Peters approved.

The project has been long on the park district’s bucket list. Walkway and improved park access had a $100,000 price tag and early visions prescribed partial subdivision for funding. To the joy of neighbors, pared-down designs have required no land sacrifice. In tradition with the district’s other recent park developments, half the cost ($50,000, including donations and volunteer service) was provided by residents and supporters. Even after concrete was poured, neighbors guarded hardening surfaces from vandalism and paw-prints.

Their reward was a quarter mile of pristine pavement from Sutter Avenue to Fair Oaks Boulevard. The combined Sutter/Jensen reserves now total 18 acres, including communal green-thumb lots at the Sutter entrance. Additions such as playgrounds and picnic areas will await flusher times.

The trail dedication crowned Carmichael Park District’s completion of four neighborhood parks in four economically challenging years. Each project—O’Donnell, Jan, Patriots and Sutter/Jensen Parks—employed shared-financing. Sutter-Jensen activists’ efforts, recalled organizer Sandy Helland, was supported by brick sales, yard sales and art shows.

“Like Duracell bunnies, we kept going for eight years,” said Helland. “Our area has a wide range of incomes. We called everyone and no one hung up on us. Together, we saved the park. And there’s so much potential to provide even more facilities here in years to come.”

Project assistance also came from Carmichael Water District, Carmichael Creek Neighborhood Association, Carmichael Kiwanis and Sacramento Fine Arts Center. The park trail is accessible from 6917 Sutter Avenue. Learn about ongoing fundraising at www.preservesutterjensen.org.