January 17, 2025

The Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is thrilled to host a special groundbreaking ceremony to honor the significant contributions of the Chico Noon Rotary Club and The Arc of Butte County to the Rotary Centennial Neighborhood Park. The celebration will take place at the park, located on Ceres Avenue, on Thursday, January 23rd, at 12:00 PM. Community members are invited to join us in recognizing these valued partners for their dedication to creating accessible recreational spaces for all.

"Rotarians gather, sharing ideas and serve everyone in our community," said Bob Bracewell, former President of Chico Noon Rotary. "We are proud to partner in this endeavor adding to Centennial Park.”

This groundbreaking represents a milestone in the collaborative effort to make Rotary Centennial Neighborhood Park more inclusive and accessible. Thanks to a generous $75,000 donation from the Chico Noon Rotary Club and The Arc of Butte County’s gift of innovative, inclusive playground equipment, the park will soon feature enhanced amenities designed for children of all abilities. These upgrades include an accessible We-Go-Round, upgraded play structures with pour-in-place fall material, and new shade sails to create a comfortable environment for play.

“Ensuring our parks are welcoming to everyone is a vital part of CARD’s mission,” said Annabel Grimm, General Manager of CARD. “This partnership highlights the incredible impact community organizations can have when working together to create spaces where people of all abilities can connect and thrive.”

Rotary Centennial Neighborhood Park has been a labor of love since its inception in 2020. The Chico Noon Rotary Club’s initial $60,000 donation and countless volunteer hours laid the foundation for this community treasure. Their continued support in 2024, with an additional $75,000, has ensured the park remains a resource for all families in Chico.

The Arc of Butte County, a dedicated advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, generously donated inclusive playground equipment that reflects their commitment to fostering environments where everyone belongs.

CARD invites the community to the groundbreaking ceremony on January 23rd at 12:00 PM to celebrate these impactful contributions and the enhancements that will make Rotary Centennial Neighborhood Park a symbol of inclusivity and community spirit. Installation of the park’s new features will begin in early February and take approximately three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

For more CARD updates and to follow along the park’s progress, visit ChicoRec.gov and follow CARD on Facebook and @ChicoRec on Instagram.

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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.