Cesar E. Chavez Plaza
Cesar Chavez Park Renaming Process
Stay tuned! Survey will be live June 12
The City of Sacramento is launching a community-led process to consider a new name for Cesar Chavez Park in downtown Sacramento.
Mayor McCarty has appointed a City Council subcommittee — Vice Mayor Talamantes, Mayor Pro Tem Guerra, and Councilmember Pluckebaum — to help guide the renaming process.
This effort responds to community interest in reevaluating the current park name and reflects the City’s commitment to transparency, public participation, and culturally representative public spaces.
Community feedback gathered through surveys, outreach events, and additional engagement will help inform recommendations reviewed by the Mayor-appointed Council Subcommittee, the Parks and Community Enrichment Commission, and ultimately the Sacramento City Council.
The renaming process will follow the City’s facility naming policy and include opportunities for residents, businesses, cultural organizations, and downtown stakeholders to participate.
Project timeline
June 2026
- Survey launches June 12
July 2026
- Survey closes July 24
August – September 2026
- Staff review and analysis of community input
October – November 2026
- Parks Commission reviews recommendations
- City Council considers and adopts final park name
Timeline subject to change
About the park
Cesar Chavez Park — historically known as Plaza Park and City Plaza — is one of Sacramento’s oldest public spaces.
Established in 1848–1849 as part of Sacramento’s original city plan, the park has served for generations as a central civic gathering place in downtown Sacramento. Over time, the site has hosted public events, markets, performances, demonstrations, celebrations, and everyday community activity.
Today, the park remains an important part of Sacramento’s downtown identity and civic life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the City considering renaming the park?
The City is conducting a community-led process in response to public interest in reevaluating the park’s current name. The process is intended to ensure transparency, community participation, and alignment with the City’s naming policy and public values.
Has the park always been called Cesar Chavez Park?
No. The park has historically been known as Plaza Park, Public Square, and City Plaza before being renamed Cesar Chavez Plaza in the 1990s.
Why is the park historically significant?
The park is one of Sacramento’s oldest public spaces and was established as part of Sacramento’s original city plan in 1848–1849. It has long served as a central gathering place for civic, cultural, and community activity in downtown Sacramento.
More information on the history.
How can I participate in the renaming process?
Community members can participate by:
- Completing the online survey
- Attending outreach and pop-up events
How will name suggestions be evaluated?
Community feedback and name suggestions will be reviewed using the City’s facility naming policy and public input gathered during the engagement process. Considerations may include:
- Historical significance
- Cultural relevance
- Civic identity
- Community values
- Long-term appropriateness
Who makes the final decision?
The Sacramento City Council will make the final decision following review and recommendations from City staff, the Mayor-appointed Council Subcommittee, and the Parks and Community Enrichment Commission.
Will the park itself change?
This project focuses on the park naming process only. Any future park improvements, public art, programming, or activation efforts would be considered separately.
What will happen to the statue?
No decisions have been made regarding the statue at this time. Once a new park name is finalized, the City will begin working with the artist to determine the appropriate path forward. Additional information will be shared with the public once the process is underway.
Where can I receive updates?
Project updates, engagement opportunities, and announcements will continue to be posted on this webpage throughout the renaming process.
910 I Street
With 2.5 developed acres this park includes the following amenities:
- Café
- Fountain
- Picnic Areas
- Seasonal Farmer's Market
- Summer Concert Series
Park Master Plan (PDF)
Permitting
See Picnic page for park permitting documents and information
See Special Events page to inquire about permitting a special event
Amenity Guide (PDF)