Welcome! William B. Pond Recreation Area is named in honor of the first
director of the County of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation. Mr.
Pond intended the American River Parkway to be a place where all people could
recreate and enjoy nature’s bounty, and this park is one of the better examples
of his realized goal. Physically handicapped anglers can access the large,
man-made fishing pond via a specialized fishing pier and ramp. Paved walking
trails gently slope around the park, leaving no barrier between enjoyment of
nature and every park visitor.
How to Get There
From U.S. Highway 50, take the Watt Avenue northbound
off-ramp. Turn right at Fair Oaks Blvd., then make another right on Arden Way.
Arden Way will come to an end at the park’s entrance. To access the western
entrance of the park, from the Watt Avenue off-ramp, take American River Drive
east and turn right on Harrington Way.
Activities:
Park users will find a range of activities here. The Harold
Richey Memorial Bridge connects this site with Goethe Park.
• This park connects with the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, and is an excellent
spot to rest for a picnic lunch in the comfortable group picnic areas.
• Anglers and nature lovers will find much to do at William B. Pond. A large,
man-made fishing pond stocked with trout and catfish and home to bass, bluegill
and tule perch will excite fishing enthusiasts.
• Educators and outdoorsy types will find many habitats to explore, from
riparian (riverside) forests and warm ponds to fields and swift, chilly rapids.
Lessons on history and natural history can be found on an interpretive kiosk
near the bike trail. In the late fall, spawning fish can provide their own
lessons on the nature of life and death.
Hours and Fees:
The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Parking
fees are collected year-round, even on special event days and on weekends.
Special Event fees vary by event.
Park Fees: $5.00 Vehicle
$2.00 Small Watercraft Launch Fee
$10.00 Vehicle + Trailer or Oversized Vehicle (over 22 feet)
$20.00 Bus
Self-payment is required if no fee collector is present.
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