Commission grants one‑year conditional permit for Chico State tree‑climbing program at Children’s Park

The Parks and Recreation Commission on Aug. 25 voted 3‑1 to grant a conditional, one‑year special‑use permit allowing Adventure Outings at California State University, Chico to run technical tree‑climbing courses at Children’s Park, provided the program meets the city’s insurance requirements.

The permit authorizes supervised, helmeted and harnessed climbs under trained instructors and includes conditions meant to protect high‑value trees and public safety. The Associated Students of CSU Chico will hold the insurance policy and sign the permit, and the permit will be reviewed after 12 months, commissioners said.

Nate Farrington, program director for Adventure Outings at Chico State, told the commission the program blends recreation and education and has served students and community members for decades. “My name is Nate Farrington. I am the program…