Title
Cemetery Update
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FileID
File ID: 2026-00754
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Location
Location: District 7
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Recommendation
Recommendation: Receive and comment.
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Contact
Contact: Sarah Musser, Park Maintenance Superintendent, (916) 808-8830, smusser@cityofsacramento.org; Shawn Aylesworth, Park Maintenance Manager, scaylesworth@cityofsacramento.org; Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
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Presenter
Presenter: Sarah Musser, Park Maintenance Superintendent, (916) 808-8830, smusser@cityofsacramento.org, Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
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Attachments
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Presentation
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Description/Analysis
IssueDetail
Issue Detail: The Historic City Cemetery is one of Sacramento’s oldest and most culturally significant public spaces, established in 1849. It serves as the final resting place for many of the city’s early residents and provides a unique window into Sacramento’s history through its monuments, landscape design, and burial records. The cemetery also continues to accommodate limited cremation burials for existing family plots, where the individual is either a plot owner or a direct descendant, supporting the continuation of family lineage within the site.
In addition to its historical value, the cemetery is actively managed as a public park and community space. Visitors utilize the grounds for recreation such as exercise, education, and gatherings. The site also accommodates permitted uses including weddings, markets, and community events. The city has expanded access to the cemetery’s historical elements through interactive maps and self-guided tours available on its website, allowing visitors to engage easily.
The city is responsible for the ongoing upkeep and preservation of the cemetery, including landscaping, infrastructure, and the protection of historic assets. These efforts are strengthened through a partnership with the Old City Cemetery Committee (OCCC), a nonprofit organization operating under a Memorandum of Understanding with the City. The OCCC supports restoration, beautification, and public education efforts, helping to ensure the long-term care and preservation of the site.
In addition, the OCCC leads public programming throughout the year, including guided tours and the highly popular Lantern Tours, which contribute to community awareness and engagement. These programs provide meaningful opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with Sacramento’s history while activating the space in a respectful and educational manner.
There is continued opportunity to build on this work through increased community engagement. Maintenance and beautification efforts are supported by staff and a small group of dedicated volunteers, with additional support from Sheriff-supervised work crews completing community service hours. Increasing volunteer involvement and community-based projects will help enhance the ongoing care and activation of the Historic City Cemetery.
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PolicyConsiderations
Policy Considerations: Not applicable.
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EconomicImpacts
Economic Impacts: None.
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EnvironmentalConsiderations
Environmental Considerations: Not applicable.
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Sustainability
Sustainability: Not applicable.
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Commission/Committee Action
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
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RationaleforRecommendation
Rationale for Recommendation: Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment provides annual updates to commission on Parks, Community Centers and Community Recreation.
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FinancialConsiderations
Financial Considerations: Not applicable.
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LocalBusinessEnterprise
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
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