Press Release - Elk Grove Opens 100th Park

Elk Grove officials are marking the opening of the community's 100th park this week with a series of videos and social media promotions that celebrate unity, recognize the beauty in diversity, and pay a bittersweet tribute to two community members.

Singh and Kaur Park is the first North American park to pay homage to the Sikh community. The 5-acre neighborhood park is located at 8491 Ponta Delgada Drive.

Cosumnes Community Services District's landscape architects drew inspiration from South Asian architecture and Punjabi culture to create vibrant architectural elements. The playground features a lion and lioness, representing "Singh" and "Kaur" respectively, and integrates the colors of the peacock. The formal garden layouts and central plazas with circular concrete seat-walls mimic the formal gathering spaces found in town centers of northern India.

A local artist, Ritu Deol Atwal, created two sculptures with special intention for the park. Inspired by one of the most recognizable symbols of the Sikhs, a simple steel bangle called the Kara. The two sculptures stand 8-feet tall and are a circular shape to symbolize eternity.

Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said, "Singh and Kaur Park is significant for the Sikh community and all Elk Grove residents. It's a beautiful tribute to Surinder Singh and Gurmej Atwal, two Sikh men who were tragically killed in our community in 2011, but it also demonstrates the commitment our community has to honoring our diversity. There is still more work to do, but through the darkness of the past, we can find healing and hope for brighter days ahead."

Families and neighbors will be able to connect at the park's two playgrounds, picnic area with barbecue, bocce ball court, cornhole court, and game tables. Adult fitness equipment placed along a looped trail as well as a basketball court and sand volleyball court will provide a fun place to get some exercise.

"Singh and Kaur Park is a perfect example of how parks and recreation enhance our lives and community," said Cosumnes CSD Board President Jim Luttrell. "This was a community-driven project, and we are excited to see neighbors come out and use this space for play and exercise, family gatherings, birthday parties, and pick-up games. The park will help connect families and build bridges between diverse populations for many years to come."

Due to COVID-19 public health orders, the opening celebration for this park will take place on social media this week. Follow Cosumnes CSD (@CosumnesParkRec) and City of Elk Grove (@cityofEG) on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube to watch a series of short videos about the park's design, artwork and significance.

Singh and Kaur Park is the 100th park owned and operated by the Cosumnes CSD in Elk Grove and is one of nine parks in the Laguna Ridge area developed through a partnership with the Cosumnes CSD and City of Elk Grove.

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