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
UPDATE 4/09/25: We are excited to announce that at a special meeting on April 3, 2025, the Board of Directors awarded the construction contract for the new state-of-the-art aquatic and recreation center to Slater & Son This milestone marks a significant step forward in bringing a much-anticipated community asset to Chico.
UPDATE 2/18/25: 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 agenda, visit the Valley Contractors Exchange at:
Advertisement for bids100% Plan Drawings100% Bid Specs Volume 1100% Bid Specs Volume 2100% Bid Specs Volume 3Project 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's social media and be part of this exciting venture into the future of aquatics and recreation.
Henshaw Park Development
Estimated groundbreaking in fall of 2025
with completion in 2026
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.
Baroni Park Playground
Estimated Completion Late Spring 2025
Project Details: The Baroni Park Playgrond replacement will bring exciting new play opportunities to the neighborhood by installing two modern play structures designed for children of different age groups. One structure will cater to children ages 2-5, providing age-appropriate climbing, sliding, and interactive play elements. The second structure will be designed for children ages 5-12, offering more challenging and engaging activities to promote active play and social interaction.
In addition to the play structures, the project will include a durable pour-in-place rubberized walkway, ensuring accessibility and ease of movement throughout the playground. Various additional features will be incorporated to enhance the play experience and create a welcoming, inclusive space for families.
This playground will be a fantastic addition to Baroni Park, fostering outdoor recreation, social connections, and physical activity for children of all ages. With a thoughtfully designed layout and high-quality materials, it will provide a safe and enjoyable space for the community to enjoy for years to come.
DeGarmo Park Improvements
Estimated Completion:
Additional fields: To Be Determined
Golf Project: Spring 2025
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
