West Sacramento Etenesh Zeleke Public Dock

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PUBLIC NOTICE:

The Etenesh Zeleke public dock will be closed beginning Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. This closure is being done to perform needed debris removal, safety inspections, and cleaning prior to the Ironman Sacramento event on October 27th, 2024. During this time, no vessels will be permitted to use the dock without authorization from the City of West Sacramento. Signage is being updated to reflect the closure and any vessel found in violation will be subject to citation and removal at the owner's expense. We appreciate your support.

Location

Google Map Link

Located in West Sacramento across the river from Old Sacramento, the City's new Etenesh Zeleke Public Dock is situated along the Sacramento River next to River Walk Park. The new dock is a short walk to:

Sutter Health Park, home of the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants
Drake's: The Barn
Restaurants within walking distance
Old Sacramento
Golden 1 Center
Hotels
Shared rental bike and scooters: Lime + JUMP, SPIN

Map

The Dock

The dock is open to vessels for free 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and use is on a first come, first serve basis including on holiday weekends. No payment is required. There are no reservations or a lottery.

Overnight docking is not allowed from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. All vessels must vacate the dock by 9:00 PM daily.

Notice: Vessels that are docked between 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM are subject to enforcement actions and removal at owner's expense. To reclaim a vessel that has been impounded, call (916) 372-3375.

Fishing is not allowed on the dock.

The dock is not staffed. Potable water, ice, power, fuel, and more services, including a free pump out, are available down river at the the Sacramento Marina.

Any recreational vessel 26 feet or longer can tie-up at any of the 31 tie-up cleats on the 432 feet long dock. There are four tie-up cleats available at the northern end of the dock available for vessels under 26 feet in length.

These size restrictions are required by the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) who provided grant funding to cover partial construction of the dock. The DBW's grant is funded from a fee paid by vessels longer than 26 feet in length and therefore projects awarded this grant are intended to largely benefit those vessels.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dock open?

Yes. The dock is open for day use 6:00 AM to 8:59 PM. Overnight use is not allowed from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. All vessels must vacate the dock by 9:00 PM daily. Vessels that remain docked 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM are subject to enforcement actions and removal at owner's expense. To reclaim a vessel that has been impounded, call (916) 372-3375.

Can I fish on the dock?

No. Fishing is not an allowed use and is a violation of the West Sacramento Municipal Code.

Is there a fee to use the dock?

Day use is free at this time. Day use is 6:00 AM to 8:59 PM. Overnight use is not allowed from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

What happens if my boat sinks?

Your boat is your responsibility. If your boat is sinking, you must call the National Spill Response Center immediately at 1-800-33-SPILL (77455), the California Office of Emergency Services at 1-800-OILS-911 (1-800-345-7911), and the City of West Sacramento at (916) 617-4620. Costs of fuel spills, raising the boat, and towing and/or hauling is all the responsibility of the owner.

River Crossing Art Project

As part of the cities of West Sacramento and Sacramento's vision to develop the waterfront into a locals and tourist destination, public art was incorporated into the dock under project "River Crossing: I want to communicate with you." Residents were asked to nominate people they would like to have commemorated. Over 650 nominations were received, and a panel of judges selected two names: Etenesh Zeleke for the new West Sacramento Dock and Isabel S. Naranjo for the new name of the existing dock in Old Sacramento.

Etenesh Zeleke, whose first name translates to “you are my sister,” was an immigrant from Ethiopia. She was nominated by her granddaughter who described her as being a “stream of hope” with many references to creating a community in West Sacramento near the river. Judges were inspired by her unique story of modern immigration, her love for her family and her connection to the river.

Isabel S. Naranjo was nominated by her granddaughter and was driven to deliver supplies, food and clothing to migrant farmworkers and their families. A farmworker herself, she helped establish childcare centers and secure funding for meals, recreation, and education. Judges selected Naranjo due to her strong commitment to her family and her community.

As a final part of the art project, glowing lightboxes have been installed spelling the names of Naranjo and Zeleke in colorful maritime signals

Dock Art

Dock Art Both

Background

In 1982, a personal operator installed steel pilings, a floating wood dock, gangway, and timber walkway from the top of the levee to the Sacramento River under a lease from the State Lands Commission (SLC). Originally serving as a personal dock, it went on to serve other uses, such as a mooring and boarding area for the tour boat Elizabeth Louise and stop for the River Otter Water Taxi Service. By 2000, the dock was in disrepair and in 2008 was deemed hazardous and all uses were discontinued.

Since 2011, City staff has taken a series of extensive actions with federal, state and local partners to construct the new dock that would be open to the public. These actions, among others, included securing a new lease, funding, permitting, construction and art for the new public dock.

The new dock will provide the Sacramento River boating community with access to recreation, sports, cultural and entertainment amenities in the urban core of the region generating regional tourism, activating the riverfront, and stimulating the local economy. The new dock will also support recreational and excursion boating activities for trips from the San Francisco and Delta communities. The City is also exploring potential opportunities with operators who can provide amenities and services at the dock.