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Parks division outlines 2025 work plan: wildfire crews, Caldwell and Panorama projects, trail repairs
Summary
Redding’s Community Services parks division presented a 2025 update detailing staffing, wildfire mitigation crews funded by CAL FIRE grants, trail repairs after flood damage, and timelines/ budgets for major capital projects including Caldwell Park, Panorama Park resiliency center and South City Park.
Community Services Director (parks) presented the 2025 update for the Parks Division, detailing operations, wildfire mitigation activities and several major capital projects.
Parks leadership told council the division manages 61 park sites, about 489 developed park acres, roughly 300 undeveloped acres, two pools, 47.5 miles of trails, 31 trail bridges and more than 20,000 street trees. The presentation listed 35 full‑time employees and roughly 6.25 full‑time equivalent part‑time staff, and noted crews spend about 126 labor hours mowing each week.
Wildfire mitigation: the division now operates two fire fuel crews, one funded by a roughly $1.5 million CAL FIRE grant. Staff said the grant plus other funding supports two years of work for a crew and that additional state funding applications are pending. Crews also work on pole‑clearing and right‑of‑way fuels reduction coordinated with Redding Electric Utility (REU).
Maintenance and repairs: staff reported trail and flood damage at multiple sites and said the River Trail (Nurbund/Nurpond) is about 95% open, with remaining work tied to river level and culvert repairs. Flood repairs at five other locations total about $23,000, staff said.
Capital projects and timelines: significant projects described included the Caldwell Park expansion (grant‑funded at roughly $6.7 million; phases already complete with construction expected to begin after bidding in winter and a 2026–27 anticipated opening window), Panorama Park resiliency center (a multi‑million dollar project currently budgeted at about $25.25 million, mostly grant funded, with an expected 2027 opening), South City Park (estimated $7 million with grants and loans identified, construction targeted for 2026 and reopening 2027), and a small funded plaza project called The Overlook (Clean California grant).
Staff also summarized smaller projects done in‑house — playground repairs, an Aquatic Center storage building completed with ARPA funds, and pump‑track and skate park work done with community partners — and noted the MLK Center planning and remodel is in design review with construction timing and budget to follow. Staff answered council questions about grant terms, maintenance obligations and program funding sources. Council members thanked parks staff for grant procurement and recommended continued outreach and public communication as projects move into construction.
