Generations of Sacramentans have known Southside Park as a place for recreational fishing, fun and games with family and friends, and social outings. The Department of Parks and Recreation has embarked on a host of impressive lighting and lakeside enhancements that will make Southside Park even more attractive to current and future generations.  

 "Southside Park has always been an inviting place to the many neighbors and visitors who have enjoyed its many charms through the years," said Councilmember Rob Fong. "The City's lighting and lakeside improvements to Southside Park are a huge part of our overall investment in Southside Park and will make an already great place even better."

The lighting improvements include:
 · 18 historic light structures around the perimeter of the lake
 · Several existing light structures relocated to other areas within the park
 · Additional lighting at the basketball court

The lighting enhancements will distribute lighting to areas of the park that need additional lighting, enhancing the park's overall safety. Such enhancements are in line with CEPTED principles—Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The lighting enhancements will be finished this December.

The lakeside improvements include:
 · Three new, ADA accessible fishing piers
 · Two lawn areas along the lakeside
 · Restoration of the lake bank with native shrubs, trees, ground cover, and grasses
 · Installation of a three-foot, tubular steel fence around the lake's perimeter

The lakeside improvements will make the lake more accessible for recreational fishing, create ideal locations for picnics and relaxation, and do much to address erosion around the lake. Residents will be able to enjoy the lakeside improvements in early February, 2009. Additional lakeside enhancements are planned for the near future.