Rotary wins grant to fund Caper Acres fence art and vocational projects

Aaron Souza, president of Chico Sunrise Rotary, told the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission the club and district together secured a $30,000 vocational-services grant to buy equipment, provide scholarships and involve local high-school students in designing and fabricating artwork for a proposed decorative fence at Caper Acres. "My name is Aaron Souza. I'm the current president of Chico Sunrise Rotary," Souza said, describing plans to fund welding, woodworking and graphic-arts projects and to showcase student work at the club's annual fundraiser.

Park staff said the fence would replace temporary chain-link and be bolted to a new concrete curb so it is easier to maintain. Commissioners welcomed the vocational focus but emphasized the need for city review of conceptual designs. Vice Chair Nava asked whether sponsorship plaques would be part of the signs; Souza said plaques were likely and that the project team would work with Milton Design Group, the master-plan architect. Commissioners recommended a conceptual review by park staff before fabrication and noted the timeline targets installation after the Rotary's March fundraiser, with potential completion in June 2025.