The Friends of Sailor Bar wishes to thank everyone who had a role in being the voice of the wildlife who thrive at this treasured “sanctuary” for people and animals. We also are grateful to Sacramento County Board of Supervisor Rich Desmond and Sacramento County Regional Parks Director Liz Bellas for their earnest decision to focus on positive and creative ways to provide opportunities for accessibility for people with and without disabilities/limited mobility to enjoy Sailor Bar.
2026 UPDATE
Today, because of the Protect Sailor Bar Campaign, the number of visitors has increased significantly. Sailor Bar has become a destination place for families to hike together and explore the marvels of Nature in a safe and pristine environment. Sailor Bar remains a peaceful haven for wildlife without threat of motor vehicle traffic, and the County’s intention to make Sailor Bar more accessible is being met as we create and collaborate. A few of the projects that are being completed are:
BENEVOLENT BENCH PROJECT: The Friends of Sailor Bar raised funds to buy nine benches and seven tables that are being installed by Regional Parks maintenance staff along the trails and in parking lots at Sailor Bar. People with limited mobility will be afforded places to rest along the trails. The benches are being installed along the river bluff, and at the river’s edge a few steps away from the Illinois Ave. parking lot. The tables are being installed near or adjacent to the Illinois Avenue and Olive Avenue side parking lots. Criteria for the installation of the benches and tables was environmental impact, use, safety, maintenance, and views. No concrete padding will be necessary for the installation.
PATHWAY TO PLAYGROUND PROJECT: The Friends of Sailor Bar were recognized at the Sacramento Board of Supervisors meeting by Park Director Liz Bellas as part of the resolution to accept the $40,000 that was raised to help fund an all-inclusive playground, designed for children on the Autism Spectrum to play safely in nature at Gibson Ranch.
INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL EVENTS: The Friends of Sailor Bar are working on hosting regular educational activities at Sailor Bar that include focus on the rich history of Sailor Bar, mental and physical health, birdwatching, the miracle of the salmon spawning migration, and other topics. It’s truly amazing what we can do when we are committed to making a positive difference.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa
NEWS & UPDATES
KCRA 3 - March 6, 2025
Sacramento County puts pause on reopening of Sailor Bar to vehicle traffic
ABC 10 - February 23, 2025
Fair Oaks organization aims to keep Sailor Bar gravel road closed to cars
KCRA 3 - February 23, 2025
Protestors send message to Sacramento County: Keep cars out of Sailor Bar
Michelle Bandur, Reporter
CBS News - February 23, 2025
Protestors try to stop Sacramento County from paving popular Sailor Bar trail
Where the Rubber Meets the River: How a Pollutant Associated with Tire Rubber Impacts Threatened and Endangered Fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - November 7, 2024
Jackie Lang – UC Davis, Segarra Lab
KCRA 3 - June 14, 2024
Sacramento County wants to reopen gravel roads at Sailor Bar. Why nearby residents are concerned
Orko Manna, Reporter
April 15, 2024
Fire at Sailor Bar Reinforces Concerns About Opening Roads to Motor Vehicle Traffic
March 29, 2024 - See the memo from Friends of Sailor Bar Legal Counsel, Matthew Chalmers, to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors