ELK GROVE/GALT, CA (MPG) - Ahead of the Cosumnes Community Services District’s regular board meeting on July 1, a special gathering was held in the district’s chamber for its 2026 State of the District address delivered by President Peter Sakaris.

Sakaris highlighted the district’s growth, accomplishments and long-term planning during the address, emphasizing that while residents may not notice the significance of local government when services run smoothly, the work of district employees, volunteers and community partners is what keeps the community functioning every day.

With the district having marked its 41st anniversary July 1, Sakaris reflected on how the agency has grown since its formation in 1985. He noted beginning from operating five parks and three fire stations to now serving more than 220,000 residents across the cities of Elk Grove and Galt, and the communities of Wilton, Herald, Courtland and Walnut Grove.

Today, the district oversees nine fire stations, 108 parks, a golf course, three community pools, 14 recreation centers, six after-school sites and hundreds of recreation programs, Sakaris said.

“Whether someone calls 911, learns to swim, enjoys the neighborhood park or attends a community event, chances are they are experiencing the work of this district,” he said.

Sakaris added that the district has continued making progress on priorities outlined in its strategic plan over the past year, citing new facilities, expanded programs, major capital projects and strengthened regional partnerships. He said the Parks and Recreation Department maintained its national accreditation, while the Fire Department earned its international accreditation and received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Achievement Award for excellence in emergency cardiac care.

Looking ahead, Sakaris pointed to several long-term projects, including the replacement of Fire Station 71, the district’s oldest station, and the Elk Grove Park Master Plan, which will guide improvements to the park over the next 25 years while aiming to preserve its historic character.

He also highlighted plans for a 106-acre regional sports and recreation complex south of Kammerer Road and the implementation of a new enterprise planning system to improve financial reporting and operations as part of the district’s continued planning for future growth.

“Although the projects are very different, they share a common purpose,” Sakaris said. “…honoring the legacy of the places that help shape our shape our community while ensuring they continue to meet the needs of a generation still to come.”

 

Cosumnes Community Services District Board President Peter Sakaris highlighted the district’s growth, accomplishments and long-term planning during his 2026 State of the District address ahead of the board’s regularly scheduled board meeting July 1. Photo courtesy of Cosumnes Community Services District

Sakaris also celebrated the first year of operations at the CORE Recreation Center, the openings of Cattails Creek Park (off Bond and Waterman roads) and Unity Park (off Grant Line and Waterman roads), and the groundbreaking of Phase III of the Elk Grove Regional Veterans Memorial. He emphasized the district’s commitment to inclusive recreation through its adaptive programs and the RAD Games, as well as having invested in job opportunities for local youth through the hiring of more than 680 seasonal employees and providing 92 free lifeguard certifications.

In public safety, Sakaris said the Fire Department secured more than $680,000 in grant funding to expand communications equipment and its Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program while continuing to invest in staffing, training and equipment.

Sakaris took a moment to credit voter-approved Measure E, passed in 2022, for providing locally controlled funding to strengthen emergency response, parks and community services.

“None of these investments happen on their own,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring that every dollar is managed responsibly and are in line with the priorities that the community has identified. This is local government at its best. Residents identify the service that matters the most.”

Sakaris introduced the district’s upcoming “One District, One Plan” initiative, which will unify planning efforts across its multiple departments under a single strategic framework to better align future investments and services with community priorities.

“The decision we made over the next several years will shape the district’s ability to serve residents for decades to come,” Sakaris said about the initiative. “That should give our residents confidence, not because growth is easy, but because the district has consistently adapted to meet the challenges the community needs (addressed).”

Throughout the address, Sakaris stressed the importance of regional collaboration with state, county, city and tribal partners, such as Wilton Rancheria, and repeatedly credited district employees as the driving force behind the agency’s success.

Closing his remarks ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Sakaris said the district’s work reflects its commitment of upholding the values of public service at the local level.

“The state of our district is strong. The future is bright,” he said. “We are proud of what we have accomplished together and what will be coming in the future for this district.”