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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General

What is the Cosumnes Community Services District?
The Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) provides fire protection services to the cities of Elk Grove and Galt, as well as unincorporated areas in the region. Additionally, the Cosumnes CSD provides parks and recreation services to the Elk Grove community. The District encompasses roughly 157 square miles and an estimated population of 169,100 people - 136,000 in the Elk Grove area and 33,100 in the Galt region.

Are you part of the City of Elk Grove?
No. The Cosumnes CSD is not affiliated with the City of Elk Grove. The CSD is an independent special district agency given its governing authority under the Community Services District Law Enabling Act and is guided by an independently elected five-member Board of Directors.

How did the Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) originate?
The CSD was established in 1985 as a result of the merger of two existing local service districts -- Elk Grove Fire Protection District and the Elk Grove Recreation and Park District. The CSD's creation preceded the incorporation of the City of Elk Grove (July 2000).

Who do I contact if I have a question relating to municipal services?
For questions related specifically to parks, recreation, fire, emergency medical or ambulance services, please contact our offices. For emergencies call 9-1-1. The Fire Department’s non-emergency business number is (916) 405-7100 or (866) 598-FIRE (toll-free). The Parks and Recreation Department can be reached at (916) 405-5300, (916) 405-5600 or (916) 684-7550. The Administrative Services Department is available at (916) 405-7150.

For questions regarding other local services, ie. law enforcement, water, sewer, roads, please contact the City of Elk Grove at (916) 683-7111. For customers in unincorporated areas, please contact the County of Sacramento (http://www.saccounty.net/).

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Board of Directors

When does the CSD Board of Directors meet?
Regular Board meetings are scheduled the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and are held at the CSD Administration Building at 8820 Elk Grove Blvd. unless otherwise noted on the agenda. These are public meetings and residents are encouraged to attend. Advance copies of the agenda are available on-line or may be obtained from the Administrative Services Department at 8820 Elk Grove Blvd., Suite 1.

How can I communicate a matter to the CSD Board?
To place an item on the agenda, you should submit a written request to the Secretary of the Board by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday one-week prior to the meeting. Communications from the public are encouraged. The Board of Directors may receive testimony and set matters for a subsequent meeting, however, state law prohibits the Board from addressing any items not previously included on the agenda.

The Board may receive informal public queries not requiring policy action via e-mail accessible on this web site. Most queries are answered by CSD staff at the Board’s request. The General Manager, Fire Chief, Parks and Recreation Administrator, and the Administrative Services Director can also be reached via e-mail. E-mail listings for the Board and CSD executive staff can be found on the contact us page.

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Administrative Services

How much is the Cosumnes CSD budget and what does it fund?
For the fiscal year 2009-2010, the Cosumnes CSD budget is approximately $74 million. This budget funds the operations of the Fire, Parks and Recreation and Administrative Services Departments.

How much are the assessments?
For the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the annual assessment for a single family unit ranged from $77 to $387, depending on the benefit a parcel received.

How much money is raised through the Cosumnes CSD Landscape & Lighting Assessment District?
For the 2009-2010 fiscal year, total assessments are $12,286,009.

Is Elk Grove Park included in the assessments?
No, Elk Grove Park is owned and funded by the County of Sacramento. Although the swimming pool and certain picnic areas are run by Cosumnes CSD, no assessment funds are used for their maintenance and operation.

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Fire Department

How many fire stations are there in Elk Grove?
The Cosumnes CSD Fire Department operates eight fire stations on a 24/7 basis throughout the Elk Grove and Galt communities. Two additional stations are planned for construction prior to 2011.

How do I schedule a tour of the fire station for my group?
Cosumnes CSD firefighters welcome hundreds of people into the fire stations each year for tours. Tours are a part of the fire department’s public education program and are scheduled around the department’s daily training schedule. In most cases, crews perform station tours while in service. Most tours last an hour. Groups interested in scheduling a tour are urged to contact the fire department’s Public Education Officer by email at BrittanyLemon@csdfire.com or by phone at (916) 405-7114 to schedule a tour. A courtesy of two weeks advance notice is requested for scheduling purposes.

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Parks and Recreation

Do I have to reserve space at neighborhood parks for picnics and parties?
Neighborhood park use is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The CSD accepts reservations for all ball fields, picnic areas, all areas in Elk Grove Regional Park, the Jerry Fox Aquatic Center, and the Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex. Reservations for these areas must be completed at least two weeks prior to scheduled use. To make reservations, call (916) 405-5300.

Does the CSD have a dog park?
The CSD currently operates three dog parks. One is located inside of Elk Grove Regional Park (9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road), another is located in Laguna Community Park (9014 Bruceville Road), and a third is located at Morse Park (5540 Bellaterra Dr). The dog parks feature off-leash run areas, doggy drinking fountains, and other special canine amenities. While all other parks in the CSD are dog-friendly, our four-legged friends must be kept on a leash at all other park sites.

Where are Elk Grove’s public pools?
Currently, the CSD operates two public swim facilities – the Jerry Fox Aquatic Center (located in Elk Grove Regional Park) and the Wackford Aquatic Complex (9014 Bruceville Road). The Fox Aquatic Center features a 140 foot water slide and a 25 yard pool. The Wackford Aquatic Complex offers a competition pool with two diving boards, a recreation pool with a waterslide and water play features, and a sprayground for younger children.

Aquatics

Do I have to pay admission if I am not swimming, just watching my child, or if there is limited time left during Recreation Swim?
Yes. All patrons entering the facility must pay the full admission rate. Your admission fee allows you access to the entire facility and its amenities. No discounted admissions are available.

Can I wear a shirt or other clothing when swimming?
No. All swimmers must wear proper swim attire, that includes male/female swim suits. Water shirts or "rash" guards are allowed for sun protection and safety. No street clothes including: cut-offs, unapproved shorts, sweatpants, tank tops or other non-water shirts are permitted in the pool.

Are water wings, flotation devices, or floatation devices that are built into swim suits permitted?
No. Only Coast Guard Type II and III approved lifejackets are permitted. Cosumnes CSD provides Coast Guard approved lifejackets. We have a limited number of lifejackets available on a first come, first serve basis. All other flotation devices are not allowed because of safety risks.

When can I purchase my Summer Aquatic Pass and how much is a pass?
Passes go on sale the first day of summer registration (refer to the activity guide) and can be purchased at the Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex. You can receive a $10 discount off your season pass if purchased before June 3rd. After June 3rd the prices for passes is $60 for ages 2-4 and $70 for ages 5 and older.

If I buy a Summer Aquatic Pass for the Wackford Aquatic Complex, is my pass accepted at the Jerry Fox Swim Center?
Yes! Season passes are sold at the Wackford Aquatic Complex and are accepted during all recreation swim hours at the Wackford Aquatic Complex and Jerry Fox Swim Center.

How old does my child need to be to enter the facility without a paying adult (18 years or older)?
Children age 10 and older may enter the Jerry Fox Swim Center or Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex without being accompanied by an adult. Any child under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

To what temperature is the pool heated?
The Wackford Aquatic Complex and Jerry Fox Swim Center are heated pools and the temperature is set between 78° and 82° F. This is a temperature range that follows United States Swimming regulations.

Who needs to wear swim diapers?
All children that are not potty trained need to wear swim diapers to ensure the facility is following Health and Safety Code requirements.

Will my child have the same swim instructor for the entire session of swim lessons?
Yes. Having a consistent swim instructor is very important in your child’s learning development. A substitute instructor may fill in, in cases of illness or family emergency.

If my child becomes ill during swim lessons is there a make-up day?
Unfortunately, due to limited time and space, we are not able to offer any make-up days for missed swim lessons.

How deep is the pool my child will be in for swim lessons?
The depth of the pool depends on your child's class level, and ranges from 1 foot to 13 feet. During the swim lesson we encourage children to not rely on the bottom of the pool for assistance. We hope to challenge your child to learn in a positive atmosphere that encourages independent swimming.

Is there a requirement before a patron is allowed to swim in the competition pool and go off the diving boards?
Yes. To jump off the diving boards or swim in the competition pool, all patrons must pass a swim test administered by a lifeguard. The test is swimming one lap (25 yards) in the last lane of the recreation pool without stopping or touching the side or bottom.

What are the requirements to go down the slide?
This is a single rider slide and must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the slide. An additional list of safety rules are listed on the yellow fence surrounding the slide.

Are food, drinks, coolers, umbrellas or BBQ’s allowed inside the facility?
Coolers/ice chests will be inspected upon entry to the facility. Personal pizza's or soda's are not allowed inside the facility as you can purchase them at the Aqua Cafe as well as many other snacks. NO GLASS or ALCOHOL is allowed! Umbrellas and easy-ups are permitted as long as they do not stake into the ground. BBQ’s are not permitted inside the aquatic complex. For information on picnic sites with BBQ pits please ask front desk staff.

Are goggles, fins, or snorkels allowed in the pool?
Goggles are allowed in the pool, as long as they do not cover the nose.  Fins and snorkels are only allowed during lap swim program hours.

**Please keep in mind all behavior is subject to manager approval for your safety**

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