Bidwell Park commissioners recommend Option 3 for South Park Drive improvements, send proposal to city council

The Bidwell Park and Playgrounds Commission voted 4–2 on May (reporting time not specified) to recommend to the Chico City Council that it advance “Option 3” for conceptual improvements to South Park Drive in Lower Bidwell Park, sending the proposal with the commission’s recommendation for further consideration.

The recommendation follows a staff presentation and public hearing on conceptual designs for a repaving and rehabilitation project for South Park Drive. Bridal Adeboni, director of public works engineering for the city of Chico, told the commission that “the goal for this evening is to rehab South Park Drive,” and that the design review is intended to balance park visitor access with impacts on Woodland Avenue neighbors.

Commissioners and dozens of public speakers discussed four alternatives presented by staff. Option 1 would add a separated multi‑use path and more formalized parking on the south side of the drive; Option 2 would close two vehicle segments and require new access from Sycamore Field; Option 3 limits new paved improvements on the south side and…