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Park Improvement Projects

Take a look at some of the park improvement projects CARD has underway or slated to begin in the near future. This page will be updated periodically with new upcoming projects or during the passage of milestones in larger-scale projects. 

CARD Aquatic Facility

Estimated Completion Fall 2026

May contain: pool, water, swimming pool, outdoors, architecture, building, and amusement park
Render of the future Chico Aquatic Facility

UPDATE 2/18/24: We are excited to announce that the Aquatic Facility construction is open for bids. There will be a bidwalk on February 27 at 10:00 AM starting at the CARD office located at 545 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico CA. Bidding closes on March 14 at 2:00 PM and bids will be read at this time. For the bid packet and latest adenda, visit the Valley Contractors Exchange at vceonline.com. 

Advertisement for bids100% Plan Drawings100% Bid Specs Volume 1100% Bid Specs Volume 2100% Bid Specs Volume 3

Project Details: Welcome to a glimpse of the future - the CARD Aquatic Facility! In collaboration with leading innovators such as Confluence, Water Technologies, Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, Rolls Anderson and Rolls, and Ballard King & Associates, this cutting-edge facility is set to revolutionize aquatics and recreation in Chico. 

The CARD Aquatic & Recreation Facility is slated for its grand opening in the fall of 2026, promising a new era of recreational excellence.

Stay tuned for updates, sneak peeks, and an exclusive look into the journey of bringing this architectural marvel to life. Follow CARD on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this exciting venture into the future of aquatics and recreation.

Henshaw Park Development

Estimated ground breaking in fall of 2025

with completion in 2026

Map showing CUSD and CARD properties with buildings, fields, and greenery along Henshaw Ave.

Project Details: We’re happy to share that we held a bid walk with potential Park Designers/Landscape Architects for the project December 3, 2024. We had excellent attendance from local experts whom we are excited to receive proposals from later this month.

Once the contract is awarded, CARD will work closely with the Designer to incorporate the community input and develop a preliminary design for the community to provide feedback upon. I would anticipate this preliminary design to be shared in the Spring (March/April), after which we would incorporate feedback and go out to bid for a construction company to build the park beginning in the fall of 2025.

An exciting and significant development is a recent collaboration with Chico Unified School District wherein we will be developing additional acreage and open space which lies just west of the current Henshaw Park parcel. This is in anticipation of the future elementary school master planned for construction in approximately 10 – 15 years. The CUSD plan includes fields, courts, and off street parking. Combining these two recreation resources (School Recreation space and Park Recreation Space) into one makes quite a bit of sense and will likely allow for a larger portion of the existing natural area on the current Henshaw parcel to be retained, which was a major piece of feedback from the community.

We hope this comes as good news and look forward to working with designer and community to achieve the best possible design, amenities, and recreation opportunities for Chico’s newest park.

DeGarmo Park Improvements

Estimated Completion:

Additional fields: To Be Determined
Golf Project: Spring 2025

A colorful site plan for a golf facility with a clubhouse, driving range, putting course, and various greens highlighted.
Map of the future golf course & soccer field
Modern buildings with contrasting designs, one black and one gray, surrounded by green lawn and trees.
Render of the future DeGarmo golf offices & simulated driving range
Modern building with large screen displaying a golf scene, surrounded by nature.
Render 1 of the future DeGarmo golf clubhouse
Modern building with dark exterior, large windows, surrounded by greenery under a blue sky.
Render 2 of the future DeGarmo golf clubhouse
An architectural floor plan with labeled areas, including a widescreen simulator and virtual golf.
Map of the golf simulator driving range
Modern lounge with sofas, tables, and mounted TV screens, overlooking a green outdoor area.
Render of inside the golf clubhouse
An outdoor patio with patterned floor, hanging lights, sofas, and a fire pit, with a green landscape background.
Render of outside the golf clubhouse
A minigolf course with green tracks, obstacles, stones, and greenery at dusk.
Render of the golf course
An advertisement for SNAG (Starting New At Golf) featuring inflatable golf targets and testimonials about fun and fundraising.
Incredible Inflatables
A colorful site plan for a golf facility with a clubhouse, driving range, putting course, and various greens highlighted.
Modern buildings with contrasting designs, one black and one gray, surrounded by green lawn and trees.
Modern building with large screen displaying a golf scene, surrounded by nature.
Modern building with dark exterior, large windows, surrounded by greenery under a blue sky.
An architectural floor plan with labeled areas, including a widescreen simulator and virtual golf.
Modern lounge with sofas, tables, and mounted TV screens, overlooking a green outdoor area.
An outdoor patio with patterned floor, hanging lights, sofas, and a fire pit, with a green landscape background.
A minigolf course with green tracks, obstacles, stones, and greenery at dusk.
An advertisement for SNAG (Starting New At Golf) featuring inflatable golf targets and testimonials about fun and fundraising.

Project Details: Join us in envisioning a vibrant future for DeGarmo Park! We are excited to announce our grant-seeking initiative to enhance DeGarmo Park with additional turf soccer fields and a state-of-the-art golf course, in collaboration with Beyond Golf.

These enhancements will complement the park's existing amenities, offering new recreational opportunities for our community. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on this exciting project!

 

Completed Projects

 

 

A playground with insect-themed climbing equipment and green flooring, surrounded by trees and a fence.
May contain: outdoor play area, outdoors, and play area
Playground with a single swing, green turf, fence, and purple building in the background.
Playground with colorful equipment, nearby basketball court, surrounded by trees and benches.
A playground with insect-themed climbing equipment and green flooring, surrounded by trees and a fence.
May contain: outdoor play area, outdoors, and play area
Playground with a single swing, green turf, fence, and purple building in the background.
Playground with colorful equipment, nearby basketball court, surrounded by trees and benches.

Rotary Park Playground Improvement

Completed January 25

We are excited to announce the completion of the playground renovation at Rotary Park! The updated play area now features a brand-new play structure designed specifically for children aged 2-5 years old. This structure offers a variety of age-appropriate activities that encourage exploration, imagination, and fun for our youngest visitors.

In addition, we have installed an accessible swing to ensure that children of all abilities can enjoy the playground. This new feature reflects our commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone in our community.

To enhance safety and aesthetics, the playground is now equipped with a colorful pour-in-place rubber surface. This durable and vibrant surface not only adds a splash of color but also provides a cushioned play area to help protect children as they play.

We invite you and your family to come and explore the improved Rotary Park playground. It’s the perfect spot to make new memories and enjoy outdoor fun together!

A park with a unique wooden curved structure, trees, benches, trash bins on a sunny day.
A colorful children's playground with slides and climbing structures on a sunny day.
A playground with water features and a bear statue.
A fenced outdoor basketball court with a blue-green surface and adjacent parking, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A paved pathway through a park with trees, grass, and landscaped areas.
A colorful outdoor basketball court, a building with murals, trees, and a clear sky.
A park with a unique wooden curved structure, trees, benches, trash bins on a sunny day.
A colorful children's playground with slides and climbing structures on a sunny day.
A playground with water features and a bear statue.
A fenced outdoor basketball court with a blue-green surface and adjacent parking, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A paved pathway through a park with trees, grass, and landscaped areas.
A colorful outdoor basketball court, a building with murals, trees, and a clear sky.

 

Chapman Park Renovation (Proposition 68 Grant)

Complete: Winter 2023

The $2.9 Million in grant funding is a transformative investment in the Chapman neighborhood. The grant will allow for the construction of a new splash pad water recreation and play area, a walking path with lighting, fencing, and restrooms for enhanced recreational opportunities in the Chapman community. 

Project Details: In December 2021, The Chapman Park Renovation project was one of 62 selected projects throughout the state of California for the renovation and expansion of existing park space. 

The $2.9 Million in grant funding is a transformative investment in the Chapman neighborhood. The grant will allow for the construction of a new splash pad water recreation and play area, a walking path with lighting, fencing, and restrooms for enhanced recreational opportunities in the Chapman community. 

Awarded through State Parks’ Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, the competitive grant program creates new parks and new recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California.

 

 

A playground with slides, a climbing net, and a merry-go-round, surrounded by trees.
Hooker Oak Play Structure Completed Fall 2023
May contain: grass, nature, outdoors, park, plant, play area, outdoor play area, and person
A man pushing a child on a swing, both looking happy at a park.
A child playing on a rope climbing structure at a playground, with trees and park benches in the background.
Two children playing on a merry-go-round at a park with trees in the background.
A playground with slides, a climbing net, and a merry-go-round, surrounded by trees.
May contain: grass, nature, outdoors, park, plant, play area, outdoor play area, and person
A man pushing a child on a swing, both looking happy at a park.
A child playing on a rope climbing structure at a playground, with trees and park benches in the background.
Two children playing on a merry-go-round at a park with trees in the background.

Hooker Oak Play Structure

Completed Fall 2023

Replacing the aging play structure at Hooker Oak. The new play structure will feature new slide styles, nature themed climbing apparatuses, one rope climbing apparatuses, a frog rope climber, and additional swings.  Additional features will include a merry-go-round, and additional ADA access. 

A child is playing on a colorful playground with slides and climbing structures.
Colorful playground with slides, climbing structures, and autumn leaves.
A colorful playground with slides and climbing structures, shaded by a canopy, surrounded by autumn trees.
A child is playing on a colorful playground with slides and climbing structures.
Colorful playground with slides, climbing structures, and autumn leaves.
A colorful playground with slides and climbing structures, shaded by a canopy, surrounded by autumn trees.

Peterson Park Play Structure

Completed Fall 2023

Project Details: Replacing the aging play structure at Peterson Park. The new play structure will feature Features three slide styles, three ladder climbing apparatuses, two rope climbing apparatuses, and a natural-style bridge to cross between towers. Additional features will include a rope merry-go-round, and butterfly-shaped climbing net. 

A covered outdoor area with benches, green grass, and a clear blue sky.
A group of people participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony outdoors.
A person bowls on a bocce ball court while others watch.
Outdoor seating area with benches under a shelter, no people visible.
Concrete ramp with tactile paving for visually impaired accessibility.
A covered outdoor bocce ball court with benches in a park.
A covered outdoor area with benches, green grass, and a clear blue sky.
A group of people participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony outdoors.
A person bowls on a bocce ball court while others watch.
Outdoor seating area with benches under a shelter, no people visible.
Concrete ramp with tactile paving for visually impaired accessibility.
A covered outdoor bocce ball court with benches in a park.

Community Park Bocce Court Installation

Completed Fall 2023

Project Details: A brand new state-of-the-art four-court bocce ball complex is scheduled to be installed on the southwest end of Community Park, adjacent to Chapman Elementary School. The courts will include a covered facility, new lighting, landscaping, and is a welcome addition to an already beautiful park!

Comprehensive Tree Inventory

Completed December 2022

Project Details: Perform a comprehensive tree inventory to collect and verify accurate information on the health and diversity of trees in CARD's facilities. Information such as how many trees there are, what their species is, and what their condition is, are gathered in order to prioritize tree maintenance needs throughout the district. 

Hooker Oak & Rotary Park Basketball Court Resurfacing

Completed February 2023

Project Details: Resurfacing the cracking asphalt basketball courts at Hooker Oak and Rotary parks with SportCourt, a tiled outdoor basketball court material that provides a safe, high-performance basketball surface that reduces shock, and delivers excellent traction and ball response.

Kids playing pickleball on an outdoor court with paddles and a yellow ball.
A young person playing pickleball on a court with others in the background.
People playing pickleball and tennis on outdoor courts.
Two people playing pickleball on an outdoor court.
Tennis court with a coach and players during a lesson.
Kids playing pickleball on an outdoor court with paddles and a yellow ball.
A young person playing pickleball on a court with others in the background.
People playing pickleball and tennis on outdoor courts.
Two people playing pickleball on an outdoor court.
Tennis court with a coach and players during a lesson.

Community Park Pickleball Court Installation

Completed March 2023

Project Details: Converting the two northeast most courts into 8 pickleball courts.

Hooker Oak & Rex Murphy Softball Field Lighting Upgrades

Completed January 2023

Project Details: Upgrades to lighting, structural, and electrical systems at Hooker Oak and Rex Murphy softball fields to deliver unparalleled illumination of play areas using LED and HID lighting, while cutting energy consumption and light spill for an environmentally efficient approach to lighting. 

Dorothy F. Johnson Center HVAC System Upgrade 

Completed October 2022

Project Details: The installation of a new heating and cooling system at the Dorothy F. Johnson Center is CARD's new approach to more efficient and sustainable heating and cooling! This new system will allow for year-round PLAY at the gymnasium inside the DFJ Center, even when the temperature rises above +100 degrees.

Wildwood Park Pump Track Renovation

Completed October 2022

Project Details: CARD and some wonderful, dedicated members of the community at Silver Dollar BMX, with assistance from Chico Velo and the Active 20-30 Club of Chico, revitalized the Wildwood Park pump track! Loose dirt was used to reinforce the dirt mounds of the pump track for a smoother ride! 

Centennial Park Play Structure Installation

Completed May 2022

Project Details: Through a generous donation from the Chico Noon Rotary Club, a new play structure, the super NetPlex, was installed on the south end of the park, adjacent to the natural playground!

Pleasant Valley Pool Renovation

Completed May 2022

Project Details: A complete renovation of the Pleasant Valley Pool including resurfacing of the pool's floor and walls, installation of new lighting inside the pool for swimmer's safety, and a new heater to make the pool water temperature perfect year-round. 

Oak Way Park Play Structure Installation

Completed June 2022

Project Details: Through a generous grant from the California State Parks and Proposition 68, the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) has been provided funding for a new play structure at Oak Way Park. New features installed include the main play structure (pictured), sway benches and a traditional swing set!

Highway 99/Community Park Bike Path Extension (City of Chico project)

Completed Summer 2022

Project Details:The City of Chico, in coordination with CARD, will be connecting the bike path from the east side of Highway 99 to the west side via a highway underpass. In addition to connecting the two sides of the bike path, the path along the north side of Community Park will be re-paved and safety lighting installed.