New Cost Recovery Policy

The City of West Sacramento has adopted a new Cost Recovery Policy to ensure that Parks & Recreation programs remain affordable, transparent, and financially sustainable for residents of West Sacramento. This new policy aligns program fees with the true cost of providing high-quality services to our community, allowing us to continue offering programs that West Sacramento residents love while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Why are program fees changing?

• Over the past decade, the City has continued to grow and invest in our parks and recreation programs. As costs for staffing, utilities, and maintenance have increased, the City is updating program fees to ensure they remain accessible.
• The new Cost Recovery Policy provides a transparent way to align fees with the actual cost of providing services while keeping programs affordable for residents.
• Until now, program fees only accounted for direct costs like part-time staff and materials. This new approach also includes indirect costs such as custodial services, utilities, full-time staffing, and administrative support, giving the City a more accurate understanding of what it takes to operate programs and maintain facilities responsibly.

What is “Cost Recovery”?
For the City of West Sacramento, cost recovery refers to the process of recuperating expenses over time through various means, such as revenue generation through fees, grants, or subsidies.

How are programs categorized under the new policy?
Programs are now grouped by activity type, such as Open Access, Beginner, or Advanced to ensure a fair and consistent approach for residents. This method applies clear, objective cost recovery goals based on the type of service rather than factors like age, personal interests, or demographics.

• Community-wide and senior programs will remain heavily subsidized, with the City covering 55%–95% of total costs
• Specialized or premium programs will have higher cost recovery goals, ranging from 65%–85%
• Retail-based services (such as merchandise sales) will aim to recover nearly all costs 95%–100%

Will financial assistance be available?
Yes, financial assistance will be available. Eligible West Sacramento residents who qualify may receive significant fee reductions to help make programs and memberships more accessible.

What's next?
Beginning January 1, 2026, program fees will be updated based on this new policy.
We are developing the financial assistance program.  More information will be available this December and applications will open prior to start of 2026.

  Alyce Norman Park Master Plan Public Meetings
Help Shape the Future!

Join us for a community workshop focused on the future planning and development of Alyce Norman Park. Attendees are invited to share feedback, ask questions, and take part in interactive activities designed to help guide the park’s vision and improvements.

When

• Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 PM

• Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 PM

Where
Bryte Career and College Training
Multipurpose Room
637 Todhunter Avenue
West Sacramento, CA 95605

For more information about the meeting please contact Senior Project Manager Jamie Teske at jamiet@cityofwestsacramento.org 

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Westacre Park Project

The concrete for the skate park and pump track is setting! Overall construction is anticipated to be completed in May 2026. Visit the Westacre Park page for project updates.

Playbook #31 An overview of programs running October 2025 through September 2025.

What We Do

West Sacramento Parks & Recreation consists of four separate functions: a Parks Division, Recreation Division, Early Learning Services, and our Tree Program. The Parks Department provides recreation and leisure opportunities with its park facilities and recreation programming. These programs are designed to help local residents improve their overall health and quality of life.