As part of a plan to revitalize the Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Old Schoolhouse and Ferris wheel will be removed to make way for a new children's play area reflecting regional indigenous heritage. The Old Schoolhouse, built in 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial, was not originally intended as a permanent structure. "Contrary to popular belief, Sacramento never had a schoolhouse of this type in the historic district," City Historian Marcia Eyman told Sacramento City Express.
As part of the City's Waterfront Reinvestment Program, the temporary Ferris wheel and carousel, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to attract visitors, will be removed to allow for renovations. The project includes a new children's play area, funded by a $1 million grant from the State of California and up to $324,560 from the City. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, who played a role in securing state funding through Assembly Bill 122, stated, "This transformative project is an opportunity to breathe new life into Old Sacramento." The total cost is estimated at $1.324 million, with construction scheduled between June and December 2025, as stated by the Sacramento City Express.
Old Sacramento is developing an Indigenous-themed play area in collaboration with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and Wilton Rancheria. Designed around a “riparian corridor” theme, the playground will feature interactive elements such as tule boats, huts, and rock mortars, reflecting the historical presence of Native communities along the waterfront. The project is part of the city's waterfront revitalization effort, aiming to create a community space that incorporates natural landscape elements and recognizes the area's Indigenous history, as reported by the Sacramento City Express.
