Fair Oaks: Sacramento County is repairing a popular location along the American River Parkway that’s been restricted to cars for more than a decade, but people in the vicinity are criticizing that plan.

Sailor Bar is a popular area for people to walk their dogs, go fishing, and enjoy being out in nature. “It’s a special part of the American River,” said Elizabeth Bailey, who lives in the vicinity.

The place dates back to the gold rush days, when the area was intensively mined. Today, it’s a spot where people can watch wildlife in its natural setting.

“You see herons nesting, bald eagles; I’ve seen foxes, coyotes, and bobcats,” Bailey remarked. “It’s a wonderful place.”

Now, residents who live in this Fair Oaks community are fighting plans to allow automobiles to travel down dirt and gravel roads through the park. “We don’t have the need for this,” Bailey added. “I think it should be preserved the way it is.” “We don’t view this as safe or responsible,” said Erin Griffin, who also lives in the area.

They fear it will lead to increased criminality, like unlawful dumping and drug usage, and create a higher fire threat.

“It’s sloped in a lot of areas, so it can be a tinderbox in the summer, and there have been fires down there,” Griffin added.

The three roads being reopened are not new, but they’ve been blocked to motorists for the last 15 years owing to budget cuts.
“During the Great Recession, we had to kind of close down areas of that park just because we didn’t have the staffing levels to maintain it,” said Ken Casparis, a spokeswoman for Sacramento County.

Now, the Sacramento County Parks Department has hired more people to patrol the area and fix the roadways.

“These improvements will allow fishermen better access,” Casparis said. “Families who want to go down and have a picnic by the water, it will be easier for them to get down there.” Some people support opening up additional river access.

“I think they should open them,” fisherman Nathan Dana remarked. “We’re able to back our trucks up to the river and go fishing. It’s easier to take our kids than to have to travel a mile across rocks.” However, opponents say automobiles will be too disruptive to the environment. “It should always be accessible to the public, just not through cars,” Griffin added.

Sacramento County Parks plans on reopening the roads this spring. Opponents have established an online petition and are urging the board of supervisors to schedule a public hearing on the matter.