City of Chico
www.ci.chico.ca.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- REVISED 7/5/13
CONTACT: Ruben Martinez, Public Works Director
ORGANIZATION: Parks, Open Spaces, Greenways, and Preserves Division, Public Works Department, City of Chico, 965 Fir Street, PO Box 3420 Chico, CA 95927.
PHONE: 530-879-6901 FAX: 530-895-4731
EMAIL:
WEB ADDRESS: www.chico.ca.us
DATE: July 5, 2013
City Changes to Bidwell Park Services
Chico, CA. As an effort to achieve a balanced budget for fiscal year 2013-14, reductions have been made to both the City of Chico Park and the Street Tree Divisions. Effective on July 5, 2013, the Parks Division was reduced by three staff and the Street Tree Division was reduced by 4 staff. In addition, a seasonal Ranger position is being eliminated.
With less people, the Parks Division unfortunately will not have the resources to provide the high quality level of service to maintain all of the many Bidwell Park facilities (cleaning repairing the permanent restrooms, repairing irrigation systems, mowing, and inspecting Caper Acres playground apparatus, etc.) on a seven day a week basis. As a result, staff will need to focus on preparing the Park and its facilities for the peak usage days of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Therefore, beginning on Monday, July 8, 2013, the following changes will be implemented:
1. All gates will be closed to vehicles only (access will still be available to pedestrians, bikers, equestrians etc.) Monday through Thursday, with the following two exceptions:
a. The main entrance gate to Upper Park at Wildwood Avenue, which will keep Upper Park Road open to Middle and Upper Park facilities, including the Municipal Golf Course, the Observatory, and Horseshoe Lake. Non-vehicle access to trails, Bear Hole, and other swimming holes beyond Horseshoe Lake will be available.
b. The main 4th Street entrance gate on the south side of Lower Bidwell Park, which facilitates ADA and vehicle access to the One Mile Recreation Area, Sycamore Pool, and the concessions vendor.
2. The Sycamore Pool and the One-Mile Restroom on the south side of One Mile Recreation Area will remain open seven days per week, as currently scheduled.
3. The permanent restrooms on the north side of One Mile, at Cedar Grove, and at the Five Mile Picnic Area will be closed Monday thru Thursday. However, additional portable restrooms will be provided at the Cedar Grove and Five Mile locations.
4. Unfortunately, Caper Acres will now be closed Monday thru Thursday. The City will continue to explore other options as we settle into a new routine. Should there be an opportunity to reopen Caper Acres to its old schedule staff will make it the highest priority.
5. Due to the amount of preparation and cleanup needed after both public and private events, reservations will not be taken for the major group picnic areas in Bidwell Park Monday thru Thursday. These facilities will be available on a first come, first serve basis on these days.
The City appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this tough fiscal time, and is asking for the public’s help by using alternative transportation to access the park and to help keep the park facilities clean and vandalism free. The Parks Division will continue to monitor and evaluate its ability to serve the public and Bidwell Park and will be making adjustments where possible. For more information, please contact the Park Division at (530) 896-7800.
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The Parks, Open Spaces, Greenways, and Preserves Division is within the General Services Department, and is responsible for maintaining and operating City parks, open space, and recreation areas including Bidwell Park, Children's Playground, Depot Park, City Plaza, Lindo Channel, Little Chico Creek Greenway, Teichert Ponds, and other preserves. Park Division programs include: Maintenance, Ranger, Lifeguard, and Volunteer Programs.
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ParkGate_Services_HourChanges 07-03-13 rm.doc July 5, 2013
City of Chico - Parks Division Page 2