March 13, 2025

The Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is thrilled to share new developments in the planning process for the highly anticipated Henshaw Park. This 12.5-acre park, slated for development in 2025-2026, represents a significant investment in the community's recreation and outdoor spaces.

CARD is proud to announce that Confluence Inc. has been selected to lead the park’s design. As a nationally recognized firm specializing in landscape architecture, urban design, and planning, Confluence Inc. brings a wealth of experience in creating vibrant, sustainable public spaces. With a deep portfolio of transformative projects and trusted local partners, their visionary approach will shape Henshaw Park into a dynamic, community-centered destination. Confluence is also leading the design of CARD’s future Aquatics & Recreation Center, further cementing its role in shaping Chico’s recreational future.

Luke Pyle, CARD’s Project Manager says, "Residents of the Henshaw area have long envisioned a park in their neighborhood, and we are thrilled to play a role in bringing their vision to life. Our goal is to build a park that serves our community while keeping Chico’s natural beauty intact."

In addition to these exciting developments, CARD is collaborating with Chico Unified School District (CUSD) to expand the park’s scope. CUSD has allocated adjacent acreage to create a shared recreation space, featuring fields, courts, and off-street parking. This addition not only enhances the park’s offerings but also aligns with CUSD’s plans for a future elementary school expected within the next 10–15 years.

"This partnership is a win-win for Chico," said Scott Schumann, CARD’s Director of Parks and Facilities. "By working together, we can maximize recreational opportunities for the community while preserving more of the natural landscape that residents value. It’s exciting to contribute to a project with such lasting benefits for our city."

The integration of park and school recreation spaces reflects a comprehensive vision for the area—balancing active amenities with natural preservation, a key priority identified during community feedback. The design and review process is expected to be completed by Spring 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in Summer 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this transformative project!

For more CARD updates, visit ChicoRec.gov and follow CARD on Facebook and @ChicoRec on Instagram.

---

About Chico Area Recreation & Park District

Established in 1948, the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is a California Special District dedicated to enriching the community through diverse recreational opportunities. CARD brings friends and families together to create joyful experiences and lasting memories. It oversees 17 community and neighborhood parks, four community centers, a swimming pool, the Chico Creek Nature Center, and more. CARD’s Play Guide showcases a wide variety of sports, classes, camps, and special events designed for all ages. Discover more about CARD at chicorec.gov.