Guests will watch shows from brand-new seating in the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District

 

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD) is hosting a grand opening of the newly renovated parks and facilities in the Village this October. 

This expansive project saw improvements to Village and Plaza parks, new playground equipment, upgrades to the Community Clubhouse, improved ADA access, additional parking and interconnected pedestrian pathways throughout the area. A complete renovation of the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre, now redesigned as part of the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center, includes new seating and an interior Black Box theater space. 

New playground equipment in Village Park is ready for the community’s younger visitors. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District

Much of the project funding came from Measure J, a voter-approved $26.9 million bond measure passed in 2018. After design approval, site demolition began in 2021, and construction officially started in 2022. This was an ambitious project, with various delays over the years due to the pandemic, extreme weather events and unforeseen site conditions. But the newly finished parks and facilities will offer an enhanced experience for park visitors, creating a true gathering place for the community.

District Administrator Mike Aho said, “The community, the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District Board, businesses in the Village and staff are all anxious to get the facilities opened and begin this new chapter for the arts and entertainment, and its impact and value to Fair Oaks.” 

The district anticipates a soft opening the last week of September, pending final inspections by Sacramento County. “The inspections are progressing well, although we don't have a specific date yet” for official approval, said Aho via email. While it’s possible that minor last-minutes issues could slightly delay the soft opening, Aho said “all indications suggest that there won't be any problems.”

Visitors will be welcomed into the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District

The grand opening celebration will offer a full slate of community events throughout the weekend, starting on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m. with Comedy Under the Stars at $20 per ticket. 

The official ribbon cutting will be held on Friday, Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m., and is free to attend. After the ribbon cutting, there will be a ticketed gala with dinner, live entertainment and dancing. VIP tickets for the cocktail hour and dinner are $165 per person. Tickets for the cocktail hour only are $65. 

The Fair Oaks Folk Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, from noon to 10 p.m. Free musical performances will be held throughout Village Park. Tickets ($35 general admission, or $55 VIP with Beer Garden access) will be available to see the headliners, Jessica Malone Band and Solabel, perform in the new amphitheater. 

The exterior of the updated Community Clubhouse. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District

Finally, the opening weekend will conclude with a Community Carnival on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. This free family-friendly event will feature games, performances, activities and site tours.

For more information or to purchase event tickets, visit https://activitymessenger.com/m/puZd58E.