Cesar Chavez Park is a 90-acre park located in the heart of the city of Sacramento. The park can also be found at the East shore State Park in San Francisco. The park is said to provide the panoramic view of Sacramento and the neighboring states as well. The landscape of the Cesar Chavez Park was adapted from the open grassy fields of the San Francisco area, which became a famous site for community gatherings and kite-flying activities.
Named after union leader Cesar Chavez, the Park started as a landfill in 1957. The park was used as a site for reconstruction of waste materials coming from California cities and towns. In 1969, the City of Sacramento government adapted the “Marina Master Plan” to develop the park as a venue for social events and community-led activities. In 1991, the city government officially conserved the landfill area. The park was originally named “Waterfront Park” and was soon opened to the public. In 1996, the city government re-named the Waterfront Park after Chavez founded the “United Farm Workers of America.”
The Cesar Chavez Park today is the official venue for various traditional events in the city today. Activities of the “Solstice and Equinox” event are quarterly held at the park. The event features occasional activities such as spring, Passover, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays which are rooted on the Solstice and Equinox. The park is also the city’s venue for American Independence day celebrations. Every 4th of July, families and friends visit the park for a day of gatherings and enjoy picnics, kite-flying, jogging and toy rocket-launching. The “Sacramento Kite Festival” is also held at the park every year. Hundreds of kites ranging from various sizes and designs are flown by young amateurs and professional kite-flyers.