[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6580114,"mediaKeyId","3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63","parentId",3157456,"title","Commission delays South Park Drive decision after public outcry; asks staff for parking alternatives and cost/impact data","audioSeconds",2284,"startMs",2813000,"endMs",5097000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63&start=2813&end=5097","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63/thumbnail_2813000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6580114/Chico/Butte-County/California/Commission-delays-South-Park-Drive-decision-after-public-outcry-asks-staff-for-parking-alternatives-and-costimpact-data","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580114-93cfa2c3d63fbc2be1a602796adca7e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807896&Signature=Z1s3CwEYarvqky2EyrJ4lhOjC1aR61tgJ7rDvqZEpHIQBpSlywO8LQwBhrpzDV0HQQkpvF8l3pyJijOKzQz0DAaJNTtcGlt5qbR~R~5sCRkP8QMsFYOZfERKR7s06vMC~nD-8lfLAizKWLcv9Z7T53bcEm1-zI9zwxZevxGI8q8TT5oXWIly8mQGrvLliB~kAoJmvP3GQVQdi8nMqgdXgEWH9M1mGGH1fYXRn1bzyLsnoSo7IV9b5jzOb6wi0dg-msB-1UF8hM4IxR2aXwhQaHWuf1-boqsnYL8Tc-JU7AMsAuCJtdxHcuO3x9PB-KnhaAipJ8WzsKut0CywAO5M5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Chico","date","2025-04-28T18:00:00Z","article","The Park and Playground Commission postponed action on a proposed redesign of South Park Drive, instructing staff to return with additional analysis of parking alternatives after extensive public comment and a split vote on a staff-recommended option.

Public Works engineering staff presented two design alternatives: Option 1 would widen portions of South Park Drive to add a separated bi‑directional multi‑use path while retaining vehicular access and formalizing parking (the staff presentation estimated a net gain of parking spaces in the plan’s current form). Option 2 would fully close South Park Drive to vehicles and rely on new or reconfigured parking access points from Woodland Avenue and at Sycamore Field. Staff stressed that Option 2 was added at the direction of the city council to explore a full-closure scenario; staff also said council-directed funds exist to support the project and that construction sequencing is linked to Peterson Memorial Drive rehabilitation.

Numerous Woodland Avenue and nearby residents told commissioners that both options would materially increase traffic, noise and parking pressure on Woodland Avenue, would harm the historic character of the residential corridor and could complicate emergency access. Speakers raised concerns about: shifting longtime park traffic patterns onto narrow residential streets; loss of green buffers between houses and the park; the visual impact and headlights from new angled parking proposed on South Park Drive’s south side; and the potential for increased neighborhood enforcement and pavement wear. Several residents suggested alternatives including using the horseshoe-pit area for additional parking and improving existing parking lots rather than adding a new long parking strip that backs up to neighborhood homes.

Commissioners debated the merits of both alternatives. One motion to recommend Option 1 as presented (including the proposed south-side angled parking) failed on a roll call 4-2 after commissioners said they needed more information on parking counts, sight lines, emergency access, and cost estimates. After discussion the commission voted 6-0 to postpone action and asked staff to return at the May meeting with a refined package that: (1) analyzes a variant of Option 1 that minimizes the visual impact of any new south-side parking (through reduced stall counts, landscape berming or alternate layouts such as back‑in parking), (2) provides parking‑stall counts for any space eliminated on the north side and the number of additional spaces that could be created at Horseshoe Pit and Sycamore Field, (3) supplies estimated construction costs for alternatives and (4) provides available data on historical vehicle–pedestrian/bicycle incidents in the park.

Staff noted the project is scheduled to proceed through design and environmental review so that construction could take place in 2026, and that delaying final direction past the next commission meeting would compress engineering timelines. Commissioners asked staff to include conceptual renderings, estimated cost differences between options and an explicit assessment of emergency access (response time implications) when the item returns.

Votes and procedural actions recorded during the item:
- An initial motion to recommend Option 1 as presented was defeated on a 4-2 roll call. Commissioners voting yes: Commissioner Nichols, Commissioner Shearer. Commissioners voting no or abstaining: Commissioner Nava (no), Commissioner Paiva (no), Vice Chair Blaschley (no), Chair Willis (no). The motion failed.
- A motion to postpone the item and return with the refined package and parking/cost/incident data passed on a 6-0 roll call. Commissioners voting yes: Commissioner Nava, Commissioner Nichols, Commissioner Paiva, Commissioner Shearer, Vice Chair Blaschley and Chair Willis.

Staff attending the presentation included Bridal Adeboni (Public Works Engineering director), project manager Mike Cook and a consultant from GHD. Resident speakers included more than a dozen Woodland Avenue and neighborhood residents who opposed either option in its current form and urged alternatives to reduce neighborhood impacts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Chico - Bidwell Park and Playground Commission - Apr 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Park and Playground Commission voted to postpone a decision on South Park Drive redesign, directing staff to return with parking counts, cost estimates, emergency-access analysis and a variant of the staff-preferred option that reduces visual and neighborhood impacts.","taxTitle","Chico, Butte County, California","taxId",4124,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6580118,"Chico State students present early findings: prescribed burns reduce star thistle, native ‘fire followers’ colonize Park Fire burn scar",837,1463000,2300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63&start=1463&end=2300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63/thumbnail_1463000.jpg","/articles/6580118/Chico/Butte-County/California/Chico-State-students-present-early-findings-prescribed-burns-reduce-star-thistle-native-fire-followers-colonize-Park-Fire-burn-scar","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580118-f99cd979519e4c5112454c34735b5d8a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807896&Signature=Nqre9TBC6L65NI2KpryvWdhmmGxOns7DoXc9jnyCiKc2Tgod-ftN89dDCyodK8hxx4ica0r81EUd6oKLS1lIWUEWd8y8bgGUKTPDF6Os4iRjNl2SlnRdsYFpMEkSCKWs2M~1ONyLUODCGgUgzmUpsn-Lrk3ZUZs~TfTO-OTLL2bnmB-HFi5JjIl1ZLTGR6qzg1Dd8UrRDIWFH9uEEkvrzCBgOrjqGrGkH9m4sK-YbnziV46wzGIVqeAu9Y3HvR6JWqeG-Z~nIq97xRjjxVuLCt7JAUwUSuAWOi9E~zseKa9azsSmzftvTQHyIgUXz0J3iDqhHft18zktMmEUG1UYHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Chico State applied-ecology class reported early findings from field sampling in Upper Bidwell Park after the July 2024 Park Fire, telling the Park and Playground Commission that prescribed burns were associated with substantially lower early‑season cover of yellow starthistle and that dozens of native “fire followers” are recolonizing the burn scar.

Dr. Kristen Kosinski and student researchers described two projects: a quantitative transect study of yellow starthistle cover and a crowdsourced inventory of post-fire native plants using iNaturalist. Students sampled three treatment types—areas that had received prescribed burns, unburned areas, and ground affected by the Park Fire—using 12 transects per treatment and a line‑point intercept method. They cautioned their March sampling likely undercounts this year’s starthistle because the plant peaks later in spring.

In the student sample, the prescribed‑burn sites had the lowest measured yellow starthistle cover (0.17 percent in early March sampling). The Park Fire area showed greater cover than the prescribed-burn sites and resembled unburned areas in early-season measurements, a pattern the presenters attributed to the timing of the wildfire (August 2024) after starthistle seed set. Students recommended continued, strategically timed prescribed burns and early spring weed abatement to reduce starthistle seed production.

The class also used iNaturalist photographs to identify fire‑follower plants in the burn scar and reported 58 species observed since the fire; the three most commonly recorded were bird’s‑eye gilia (a California endemic annual), the wavy‑leaf soap plant (a fire‑resprouting bulb important to pollinators and culturally significant to indigenous people), and red larkspur (a native that can resprout or appear from seed after fire). Presenters noted limitations of the iNaturalist method—public observers tend to photograph conspicuous or showy species—so the list is not a complete survey of the groundcover.

Presenters discussed management implications with commissioners and staff: prescribed burns can reduce starthistle where conducted in consecutive years, but a single large wildfire may temporarily increase starthistle abundance because seeds remain in the soil seedbank. Park staff said the city is continuing prescribed-burn work west of Horseshoe Lake and is discussing potential expansion, subject to staffing, weather windows and coordination with Chico Fire.

The student team recommended multi-year monitoring, additional sampling across burn-severity classes, and continued prescribed burns coupled with early-season weed abatement to limit reinfestation.","A Chico State class presented early field data from Upper Bidwell Park after the July 2024 Park Fire: prescribed burns showed the lowest recorded yellow starthistle cover in sampled transects, and students documented 58 fire-following native species including bird’s-eye gilia, wavy-leaf soap plant and red larkspur.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6580122,"Commission recommends heritage-tree designation for 67-inch valley oak at Little Chico Creek Elementary",943,465000,1408000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63&start=465&end=1408","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63/thumbnail_465000.jpg","/articles/6580122/Chico/Butte-County/California/Commission-recommends-heritage-tree-designation-for-67-inch-valley-oak-at-Little-Chico-Creek-Elementary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580122-608931941ad9d52e2337562137f5230b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807896&Signature=V5dyTUMvGq4aCo7pPuHce7IwERudDWjrl~RLhkl7SvH4AbpdUcgC9rYTsiiqybZv4OVzOAbQxaEzsys5U5YM3OuvbbhSQjygCpSaOKn~QH6c1Mw2y-xUdRLcmL8zaedpTxWY9XdMdBtXzwwBFYspHESlw0lFNwCG-8hw7wqEqdE34WFuHjX4B-qeqjezpJWUZOX7ze28hBpsFNP-Xbw1pg8iqNKprCj-b1tHteYnJ6r6AjI6mHGWpLFBjvK4lGgG6Udu4f--zfZ8XHVt2hEUyZvxwBopA~mhCGu9UqVYoCyQWo9GOoS09jpGCQpBhEGfyJZ14Hdifo1RcjbXXpBipQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Park and Playground Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the city council designate a 67‑inch valley oak (Quercus lobata) on the grounds of Little Chico Creek Elementary School, 2090 Amanda Way, as a heritage tree.

Parks staff described the tree as a “veteran” specimen that meets the voluntary heritage-tree program criteria for native oaks 36 inches or larger and for uniqueness. Staff noted the tree sits adjacent to school playground areas and serves as an outdoor classroom used by younger students and as habitat for owls. Students Juliana and Connor addressed the commission, describing the tree as “super special” and saying it is home to a family of owls and an outdoor classroom where children learn about acorns and food chains.

Mr. Weber, the staff presenter, estimated the tree’s age at about 120 years based on comparative ring counts of similar fallen trees, and said the tree shows cavities and signs of advanced age but remains healthy for its size. Staff told commissioners there is no automatic maintenance obligation triggered by designation; however, Chico Unified School District has agreed to remove turf and cap some sprinklers beneath the tree, and the city indicated it can provide mulch and investigate pro bono pruning work by city contractors, similar to recent work in Bidwell Park.

The commission moved to recommend approval of the application to city council; the motion was seconded and passed 6-0. Commissioners voting yes were Commissioner Nava, Commissioner Nichols, Commissioner Paiva, Commissioner Shearer, Vice Chair Blaschley and Chair Willis.

Speakers at the hearing included school principal Kristen Schrock, longtime volunteer Tom McLean, and students Juliana and Connor, who spoke in support of the designation. The commission closed the hearing after no other public speakers registered.

Staff said they will forward the commission recommendation to the city council for final action and will coordinate proposed maintenance steps (mulch, sprinkler adjustments, and potential pro bono pruning) with Chico Unified School District and city contractors.","The Park and Playground Commission voted 6-0 to recommend city council designate a 67-inch Quercus lobata on the Little Chico Creek Elementary School grounds as a heritage tree. Students, school staff and parks staff described its educational and ecological value.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6580127,"Commission approves recurring permit for Shakespeare performances in Cedar Grove Meadow with conditions",300,128000,428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63&start=128&end=428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3157456-863f7ebb1a3699d51097e96938afdc63/thumbnail_128000.jpg","/articles/6580127/Chico/Butte-County/California/Commission-approves-recurring-permit-for-Shakespeare-performances-in-Cedar-Grove-Meadow-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580127-42ce892970c0d6e38e79223ef9b76fcd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807896&Signature=SSb9IjmG7iEBcYgg-LgAQSeiP0TzmGVpOeOj7MMmz5Taedxdrlf-en58LXQV-cYpOO~JSYrNSVMmGMA76NzlgJiOWg-dXMv8utDBBZi~sqggTlttOgrsCpBXgddLK3TfQcoa~Jcg4OnpIgPeoOfRjWVKJ0STTQGorUp9sm3SygLcrQVo1gGFfVOarIQtkUf~p4lcOVAibMFBSl39ZlXtcaKeHk5CtcOjJKsQkvsEISBzvm~VMKa-Y9XCcL0duK-rgZSQ26F4krM6MAYiuTn4sjy~AtlbFjm-XgH1VLzaQpembuc1zSXuIgSLiSrecc3dfczOwZQrNPR0Q6EdN3U3Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Park and Playground Commission approved a permit to stage a multi-day Shakespeare performance in Cedar Grove Meadow and authorized the park manager to approve the event in future years, provided any significant change in management or scope returns to the commission.

The commission’s action covers the event scheduled May 24–June 15, 2025, and was made after staff explained that the 12-hour code requires multi-day events of this length to come before the commission but that the event’s long history justified allowing annual approvals at the staff level. Commissioners expressed concern about future changes in event operator or scale; the motion that passed added a condition requiring the event to return to the commission if management or the event’s scope changes.

Commissioners voting yes were Commissioner Nava, Commissioner Nichols, Commissioner Paiva, Commissioner Shearer, Vice Chair Blaschley and Chair Willis. The motion passed 6-0.

Staff said the permit would remove the need for the event to come before the commission each year unless the operator or the scale of the event changed, and that the park manager (currently a city staff member) would handle future approvals under the condition adopted by the commission. The staff presentation noted the event has operated in the park for many years with no recent incidents and that the change is intended to reduce repetitive administrative review while preserving oversight for substantive changes.

The commission did not set a sunset date for the staff-level approval; rather, it tied future council oversight to material changes in operator or event scope.","The Park and Playground Commission approved a permit to hold a multi-day Shakespeare performance in Cedar Grove Meadow and authorized staff-level approval for future annual events, with a condition that significant management or scope changes return to the commission. Vote: 6-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission delays South Park Drive decision after public outcry; asks staff for parking alternatives and cost/impact data

Chico State students present early findings: prescribed burns reduce star thistle, native ‘fire followers’ colonize Park Fire burn scar

Commission recommends heritage-tree designation for 67-inch valley oak at Little Chico Creek Elementary

Commission approves recurring permit for Shakespeare performances in Cedar Grove Meadow with conditions