Jennie McConnell Park

A Glimpse into History

Situated in Elk Grove's Waterman/Park Village area, Jennie McConnell Park carries a story worth knowing. Named after Jennie McConnell herself, who back in the early 1900s stood up for the preservation of the area's oak trees - a true environmental hero before that was even a thing.

Play Spaces for Everyone

This park offers variety when it comes to play. You'll come across two different sized playgrounds here - a smaller one well-suited for the little ones (ages 2-12) and a more challenging setup for older kids (ages 5-12). Both areas provide spaces for children to play.

The playground areas feature multiple jungle gyms for climbing adventures, and there's even a cool musical area where kids can bang, clang, and discover rhythm outdoors - a nice break from screen time.

For the more sports-minded visitors, there's a half-court basketball area ideal for a quick game and a multipurpose field that's often dotted with soccer players of all skill levels. The open field has plenty of room for impromptu games or structured practice sessions.

Places to Catch Your Breath

Need a moment to relax? The park offers several shaded picnic areas with tables to enjoy a packed lunch or simply sit and watch the world go by. Just remember, these spots can't be reserved, so it's first-come, first-served - maybe worth arriving early on beautiful weekend days.

The walking path and unique spiral garden path offer peaceful routes for a leisurely stroll, a quick jog, or a daily constitutional. The paths wind through the grounds, giving you different perspectives of this community space.

Staying Active and Social

If outdoor workouts are your thing, you'll appreciate the adult fitness equipment stationed across the park. No gym membership required to get your heart rate up here.

The park also includes barbecue facilities that make it easy to turn an afternoon outing into a proper cookout with friends and family.

The Practical Stuff

Jennie McConnell Park has spacious green areas with well-kept lawns great for frisbee games or picnics. The grounds are well-maintained, but it's worth noting there are no public restrooms available - something to plan around if you're bringing young children or planning an extended stay.

The playground areas use bark as ground cover, which cushions falls nicely but has been known to hitch a ride home in shoes and socks.

Behind the Scenes

The Cosumnes Community Services District keeps this park in good shape, as part of their oversight of recreational spaces in Elk Grove.

The park offers a mix of active and passive recreation opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.