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HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 08 - RecreationChapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 1 CHAPTER 8: RECREATION TABLE OF CONTENTS 8.1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................3 8.2 NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY, AND REGIONAL PARKS...................................................................3 PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICE AREAS ................................................................................................................3 Chico Area Recreation and Park District............................................................................................................3 Feather River Recreation and Park District........................................................................................................7 Paradise Recreation and Park District................................................................................................................9 Durham Recreation and Park District...............................................................................................................12 Richvale Recreation and Park District ..............................................................................................................13 Gridley and Biggs Areas....................................................................................................................................14 8.3 RECREATION PLANNING STANDARDS.....................................................................................................17 8.4 STATE AND FEDERAL PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS, AND RESERVES....................................................18 STATE RECREATION RESOURCES .............................................................................................................................18 FEDERAL RECREATION RESOURCES ........................................................................................................................18 PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST ....................................................................................................................................20 LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST .....................................................................................................................................21 MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST RESEARCH FACILITY............................................................................................21 8.5 RECREATIONAL CORRIDORS, TRAILS, AND SPECIAL AREAS .........................................................23 RECREATIONAL CORRIDORS - HIGHWAY TRAVEL ...................................................................................................23 WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ......................................................................................................................................24 TRAILS.....................................................................................................................................................................24 PACIFIC CREST NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL ...............................................................................................................24 THE FEATHER FALLS NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL .............................................................................................25 8.6 PRIVATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES....................................................................................................25 HOTELS, MOTELS, RESORTS, AND BED AND BREAKFASTS ......................................................................................26 PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS .........................................................................................................................................26 COMMUNITY EVENTS ..............................................................................................................................................27 SCENIC HIGHWAY CORRIDORS ................................................................................................................................27 OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES .........................................................................................................................27 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 8-1 RECREATION AND PARK FACILITIES IN CHICO AREA....................................................................................5 TABLE 8-2 RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT FACILITIES IN OROVILLE AREA ............................................................8 TABLE 8-3 RECREATION AND PARK FACILITIES IN PARADISE AREA ............................................................................11 TABLE 8-4 DURHAM AREA RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT FACILITIES ................................................................13 TABLE 8-5 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN RICHVALE AREA PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT..................14 TABLE 8-6 GRIDLEY-BIGGS AREA PARKS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ....................................................15 TABLE 8-7 STATE PARKS, RESERVES, AND RECREATION AREAS .................................................................................19 TABLE 8-8 STATE HISTORIC SITES, LANDMARKS, AND MONUMENTS ..........................................................................20 TABLE 8-9 PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS AND RECREATION SITES.......................................................22 TABLE 8-10 LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS AND RECREATION SITES .....................................................23 TABLE 8-11 BUTTE COUNTY TRAILS INVENTORY ........................................................................................................25 Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 2 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 8-1: RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ......................................................................................................................16 Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 3 8.1 INTRODUCTION A number of recreational facilities and programs exist in Butte County. Some of these are owned and maintained by five special independent districts, which are described below. Those managed by city, state, and federal agencies, sometimes in joint arrangements, are also described, as are privately owned facilities. Figure 8-1 below shows the major recreational facilities in Butte County 8.2 NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY, AND REGIONAL PARKS Parks and Recreation Service Areas Five special independent districts maintain parks and recreational facilities in Butte County. “Independent” means that each district is governed by a board of directors elected by the voters in that district. The park and recreation districts in Butte County are also non-enterprise districts, which means they are dependent on property taxes for operating revenue. Enterprise districts rely primarily on user fees. The five special districts in Butte County are: 1) the Chico Area Recreation and Park District, serving Chico and the surrounding vicinity 2) the Feather River Recreation and Park District, serving the Oroville area and surrounding vicinity 3) the Paradise Recreation and Park District, serving the Paradise Ridge area 4) the Durham Recreation and Park District, serving the Durham community and surrounding area, and 5) the Richvale Recreation and Park District, serving the small rural town of Richvale. The existing neighborhood, community, and regional parks and specialized recreation are described below. These facilities are listed geographically, according to the park and recreation districts in which they are located. The facilities not owned and/or operated by a specific park and recreation district are clearly noted. Chico Area Recreation and Park District The Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) centered on the City of Chico and extending north to the Tehama County boundary includes city, community, neighborhood, and school parks and recreation areas. The District’s land area encompasses approximately 225 square miles and is characterized by the most urban population, with 90 percent of the population located in the Chico area. Although CARD’s land area is not the largest, it owns and operates the greatest number of parks and facilities of any special district in the county. It operates and maintains a full complement of urban, suburban, and rural park and recreation areas. It also operates an extensive recreation program that includes a variety of athletic, education, crafts, and senior programs. CARD operates under a Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan adopted in Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 4 September 1988. Table 8-1 lists all existing facilities and their locations and sizes in the Chico area. Those owned and maintained by CARD are clearly marked. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 5 TABLE 8-1 RECREATION AND PARK FACILITIES IN CHICO AREA Regional Parks Bidwell Park – one of the largest city parks in the U.S. (City of Chico) Location: Runs in a northeast direction through Chico, approximately ten miles into foothills. Size: 3,604 acres Facilities: Golf course, swimming areas, ball fields, picnic areas, biking , hiking, and equestrian trails, children’s playground (2.66 acres), amphitheater/gazebo, Camellia Way Park, Sycamore Pool Area, Campfire Council Ring; Caper Acres Playground, Cedar Grove Group Picnic Area, Nature Center, Hooker Oak Recreation Area, Yahi Hiking Trail, Five Mile Dam Area, Diversion Dam. It should be noted that, although city owned, Bidwell Park appears on the Master Facilities Plan Map as an existing districtwide facility. California State University, Chico Location: Extreme western end of Bidwell Park Size: 119 acres Facilities: 50 meter outdoor pool, seven racquetball courts, sports fields, football stadium, track, and golf course. The University’s rules often do not allow the general public to use University facilities. Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Location: 2357 Fair Street, Chico Facilities: Six-day annual Silver Dollar Fair; site of many shows, events, exhibitions, rodeos, and auto racing. Community Parks Community Park (CARD) Location: Directly west of Highway 99, north of 20th Street, Chico Size: 31.5 acres Facilities: Soccer and softball fields, children’s playground, picnic areas, volleyball courts, tennis courts, BBQ area, and rest rooms. West end serves primarily a neighborhood function, whereas rest of site contains sports fields and other competitive facilities. Hooker Oak Recreation Area (City of Chico) Location: On Chico Creek in Bidwell Park Size: 35.0 acres Facilities: Children’s playground, picnic areas, CARD maintenance shops, lighted baseball/softball fields, BBQ, and rest rooms. One Mile Dam Area (City of Chico) Location: Western section of Lower Bidwell Park Size: 30.0 acres Facilities: Large swimming area, large children’s playground, and softball area. Five Mile Dam Area (City of Chico) Location: Western section of Upper Bidwell Park, on Chico Creek Size: 4.5 acres Facilities: Picnic facilities and restroom facilities. Little Chico Creek Trail (City of Chico) Location: Runs east/west through suburban Chico, along Chico Creek Size: 3.0 acres Facilities: Nature trail. Neighborhood Parks Chapman Park (CARD) Location: West of Highway 99, just south of 16th street Size: 3.0 acres Facilities: Community center, play equipment, and multi-use paved area. Rotary Park (CARD) Location: 16th and Salem streets Size: 0.7 acres Facilities: Children’s playground and basketball courts. Children’s Playground (City of Chico) Location: Extreme western end of Bidwell Park Size: 2.7 acres Facilities: Play equipment and picnic area. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 6 City Plaza (City of Chico) Location: Downtown Chico, 5th and Broadway Size: 1.7 acres Facilities: Open area with trees, benches, and covered area. “Triangle” Park (City of Chico) Location: 9th and Main streets Size: “Very small” , no acreage given Facilities: None. Mini Park (CARD) Location: 1st and Main streets Size: Unavailable Facilities: Bench with small grassy area and restroom facilities. Schools Chico Senior High School Location: 901 Esplanade, Chico Facilities: Ball fields and tennis courts. Pleasant Valley High School Location: 1476 East Avenue, Chico Facilities: Ball fields and tennis courts. Bidwell Junior High School Location: 2376 North Avenue Facilities: Ball fields and tennis courts. Chico Junior High School Location: 280 Memorial Way Facilities: Soccer fields. Marsh Junior High School 2253 Humboldt Road, Ball fields Other Schools The following is a list of schools in the Chico area that provide a neighborhood recreational function: Nord School Chapman School Little Chico Creek School Citrus School Hooker Oak School Emma Wilson School Jay Partridge School John McManus School Marigold School Neal Dow School Fair View High School Parkview School Rosedale School Sierra View School Shasta School Rotary School Other Recreation Centers/Pools Pleasant Valley Center Location: Northeast Chico, just east of Highway 99 Size: Building - 1.1 acres Facilities: Pool and community center Community Center Site Location: 2218, 2222, 2224 & 2226 Elm Size: Building - 2.9 acres Facilities: Community center building. Melody Hall Location: Just north of west end of Bidwell Park Size: Building - 0.4 acres Facilities: Children’s programs Chapman Center Location: Chapman Park Size: Building - 6,375 square feet Facilities: Multi-purpose room, game room, meeting rooms Shapiro Pool Location: Just north and west of Bidwell Park, Chico Junior High Size: 4,742 square feet Facilities: Outdoor pool Source: Chico Area Recreation District, 2003. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 7 Feather River Recreation and Park District The Feather River District centered on Oroville includes parks and recreation facilities that are under the jurisdiction and management of federal, state, and city governments, as well as schools and community clubs. The District has yet to develop its own planning standards, though it refers to the National Parks and Recreation Association’s standards, which are described below. The City of Oroville’s tax base is not adequate to meet the community’s parkland needs, and the District operates more facilities than it can adequately maintain. Table 8-2 lists facilities in the Feather River Recreation and Park District area. Those that belong to the City of Oroville are clearly marked. Plumas National Forest lands and the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area are described more fully below. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 8 TABLE 8-2 RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT FACILITIES IN OROVILLE AREA Regional Parks None Community Parks Bedrock Park and Lagoon - owned by the District; owned by the City of Oroville, maintained and operated by the District Location: Arlin Rhine Drive and 5th Avenue Size: 3.75 acres Facilities: Amphitheater, BBQ, picnicking, rest rooms, tennis courts, and swimming area. Mitchell Park (District) Location: Mitchell and 5th Avenues Size: 15.27 acres Facilities: Playing fields, picnic area, and tot lot. Feather River Parkway – mostly owned by the District, though portions of the south bank are owned by Oroville Location: Along Feather River below dam Size: 15 acres Facilities: BBQ, bike path, picnic area, hiking trail, building, and picnic area. River Bend Park (District) Location: At end of Montgomery Street, contiguous to Feather River Parkway Size: 40 acres Facilities: No facilities (future plans for picnic tables and bicycle path) Martin Luther King Park (District) Location: Outside Oroville city limits; three blocks south of Wyandotte Avenue, east of Myers Street Size: 5.58 acres Facilities: Basketball courts, BBQ, picnicking, volleyball, and rest rooms. Lott-Sank Park (City of Oroville) Location: Downtown Oroville, between Montgomery and Bird streets and 3rd and 4th streets Size: 1.90 acres Facilities: BBQ, kitchenette, museum, and picnic area; also has historical value. Hewitt Park (City of Oroville) Location: Baldwin Avenue near Myers Street Size: 7.55 acres Facilities: Two antique steam engines, wading pool, tot lot, play equipment, and picnic area. Nelson Ballfields (District) Location: 6th Street off Nelson Avenue Size: 30 acres Facilities: Sports facilities, concession stands, recreation building, pool, tennis courts, and rest rooms. Forbestown Park and Community Center (District) Location: Yuba/Butte border, Forbestown Road Size: 3.64 acres Facilities: BBQ, kitchenette, museum, and multi-purpose facilities. Palermo Park (District) Location: On Lincoln Boulevard two blocks south of Palermo Road Size: 4.98 acres Facilities: Amphitheater, basketball courts, ball fields, tot lot, and horseshoe pits. Neighborhood Parks Rotary Park - (City of Oroville) Location: Safford and 1st avenues Size: 2.14 acres Facilities: Sports fields, BBQ, tot lot, and picnic area. Hammon Park (City of Oroville) Location: On 2nd Street, between Nelson and Rand streets Size: 4.0 acres Facilities: City’s newest park, covered picnic area, and children’s play area. Playtown USA (District) Location: Pomona and 5th avenues, Oroville Facilities: Playground equipment. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 9 Wyandotte Park (City of Oroville) Location: Foothill Boulevard, north of Wyandotte Size: 2.60 acres Facilities: Basketball courts, BBQ, picnic, and tennis courts. Parking Lot A (City of Oroville) Location: On Robinson Street, between Myers and Huntoon Size: 0.5 acres Facilities: Playground, picnic area, and benches Nature Center (City of Oroville) Size: 5 acres Facilities: Picnic area and benches Concow School (Golden Feather Unified School District) Location: 11579 Nelson Bar Road, Concow Size: 17 acres Facilities: Swimming pool, gymnasium, utility field, and hard surface play area. Schools The following are schools and are considered to function as neighborhood parks: Bangor Union Elementary Berry Creek School Bird Street School Central School Concow School Feature Falls Union School Helen Wilcox Elementary Honcut School Las Plumas High School Nelson Avenue School Oakdale Heights Elementary Ophir School Oroville High School Palermo School Popular Street School Prospect Alternative Center for Education Sierra Avenue School Sierra Del Oro School Spring Valley School Stanford Avenue School Wyandotte School Other Private Parks Bangor Park (Bangor Community Club) Location: Community of Bangor Size: 8.14 acres Facilities: BBQ area, ball fields, tot lot, horseshoe pits, picnic area, tennis courts, and rest rooms. Shooting Range/Dredger Piles (owned by the State) Location: Oroville area Facilities: Target practice range. Harrison Stadium (Oroville Union High School District) Location: At Mitchell Field Size: 10 acres Facilities: Football stadium Memorial Hall (County) Location: 2374 Montgomery Street, Oroville Facilities: Community events, meetings. Note: Feather River Parks and Recreation Department owns/leases ten park and recreation sites totaling 87.78 acres. In addition, there are six city-owned parks within the district totaling 19.8 acres. Source: Feather River Recreation and Park District, 2003. Paradise Recreation and Park District The Paradise Recreation and Park District serves the upper and lower Paradise Ridge area, including areas to the east and west, centered on the community of Paradise. The District’s land area encompasses approximately 169 square miles with a service population of approximately 41,200 persons. In this area are facilities owned and operated by the District, by Pacific Gas and Energy, and by the Paradise Irrigation District, as well as the Bureau of Land Management and schools. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 10 The District provides a comprehensive recreation program and manages 432 acres of park land and recreational facilities. Of the 432 acres, only 75 acres are partially or fully developed. The Paradise Recreation and Park District’s 2002-2016 Master Plan has established a five-acre developed park land per 1,000 people as adequate standards. Parks and facilities acreage is below this standard and a large percentage of the existing system is old and in need of renovation. Funds for future facilities to accommodate population growth are limited. Table 8-3 lists facilities in the Paradise Recreation and Park District area. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 11 TABLE 8-3 RECREATION AND PARK FACILITIES IN PARADISE AREA Regional Parks NONE Community Parks Coutolenc Park (District) Location: On Coutolenc Road, North of Magalia Size: 320 acres Facilities: Paradise Bowhunters Archery Range, hiking, picnic area, and chemical toilets. Paul Byrne Aquatic Park and Rotary Grove Park (District) Location: Buschmann Road and Recreation Drive, Paradise Size: 5 acres Facilities: Swim pool, fishing pond, playground, picnic area. recreation building, restrooms, group barbecue area, sand volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. Moore Road Park (District) Location: Moore Road and Forest Service Road, Paradise Size: 19 acres Facilities: Ball fields, playground, bleachers, picnic area, and horse riding arena Paradise Memorial Park (District) Location: Mallan Lane and Pearson Road, Paradise Size: 2 acres Facilities: Group barbecue area, chemical toilets, and Gold Nugget Museum. Terry Ashe Recreation Center (District) Location: 6626 Skyway, Paradise Size: 3.5 acres Facilities: Business office, recreation center, picnic area, playground, gazebo, restrooms, and slab area. Paradise Lake Picnic Area (Paradise Irrigation District) Location: North Lake Road, Paradise Size: 8.3 square miles Facilities: Fishing, hiking, picnicking and chemical toilets. Neighborhood Parks Bille Park (District) Location: 501 Bille Road, Paradise Size: 55 acres Facilities: Playground, picnic area, group barbecue area, meadow, nature trail, and restrooms. Crain Memorial Park (District) Location: Concow Lake, Concow Size: 8 acres Facilities: Picnic area, meadow, and chemical toilets. Oak Creek Park (District) Location: East end of Elliott Road Size: 17 acres Facilities: Walking trail. Paradise High School (Paradise Unified School District) Location: 5911 Maxwell Drive, Paradise Size: 20 acres Facilities: Track, tennis courts, football field, baseball field, softball field, play fields, gymnasium, and multi-purpose facility. Ridgeview High School (District) Location: 13665 Skyway, Magalia Size: 6 acres Facilities: Play field and hard surface play area. Paradise Intermediate School Location: 550 Pearson Road, Paradise Size: 20 acres Facilities: Play fields, outside basketball courts, gymnasium, and multi-purpose facility Mountain Ridge Middle School (Paradise Unified School District) Location: 13835 West Park Drive, Magalia Size: 20 acres Facilities: Play fields, playground, outdoor basketball courts, gymnasium, and multi-purpose facility. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 12 Cedarwood Elementary School (Paradise Unified School District) Location: 6400 Columbine Road, Magalia Size: 10 acres Facilities: Play fields, playgrounds, and multi-purpose facility. Paradise Elementary School (Paradise Unified School District) Location: 588 Pearson Road, Paradise Size: 5 acres Facilities: Play fields, playground, outdoor basketball courts, and multi-purpose facility. Pines Elementary School (Paradise Unified School District) Location: 13878 Compton Drive, Magalia Size: 20 acres Facilities: Play fields, playground, outside basketball courts, and multi-purpose facility. Ponderosa Elementary School (Paradise Unified School District) Location: 6593 Pentz Road, Paradise Size: 9.1 acres Facilities: Play fields, playground, and multi-purpose facility. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Location: Ponderosa Way, Magalia Size: 120 acres Facilities: Nature trails. Linear Parks Paradise Memorial Trailway (Town of Paradise) Location: Neal Road to Pentz Road, Paradise Size: 4 miles (80 to 100 foot right of way) Facilities: Paved walkway along old railroad line. Source: Paradise Recreation and Park District, 2003 Reservoirs De Sabla Reservoir De Sabla Forebay Fishing Access Location: West shore of De Sabla Forebay. From intersection of Elliot Road and Skyway in Paradise (east of Chico) drive 10.2 miles north on Skyway. De Sabla Area Organization Picnic Unit Location: Entrance on east side of Skyway. From intersection of Elliot Road and Skyway in Paradise (east of Chico) drive 10.1 miles north on Skyway. Size: 50 acres Sources Paradise Recreation and Park District, 2003; Pacific Gas & Electric Company Durham Recreation and Park District The Durham Recreation and Park District service area is located south of Chico and contains the communities of Durham, Dayton, and Nelson. The District boundaries are coterminous with the CARD southern boundary and the Glenn County boundary on the west. It encompasses approximately 220 square miles and serves an estimated population of 5,000 persons. The District provides limited recreation programs and operates and maintains both community and neighborhood recreation facilities. Table 8-4 lists the facilities in the Durham Area Recreation and Parks District, grouped according to community parks, neighborhood parks, and other. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 13 TABLE 8-4 DURHAM AREA RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT FACILITIES Regional Parks None Community Parks Louis Edwards Park (District) Location: 9447 Midway, City of Durham Size: 3.8 acres - park Facilities: Dwight Brinson Swim Center, which contains a 25-meter swimming pool with diving board, wading pool, locker room; park contains tennis courts, and rest rooms. Ravekes Park (District) Location: 9451 Midway, City of Durham Size: 1/2 acre Facilities: small children’s playground, four tennis courts, and two picnic tables. Midway Field (District) Location: Southeast Corner of Midway, City of Durham Size; 6 acres Facilities: Multi-purpose sports facilities, bleachers, and drinking fountain. Durham Community Park (District) Location: 1847 Durham-Dayton Highway, two miles east of Durham Size: 24 acres Facilities: Sports facilities, horse arena, picnic areas, children’s playground, concession stand, and bleachers. Butte Community College Location: 10 miles east of Durham Size: 234 acres Facilities: Tennis courts, soccer fields, and other facilities. Note: Durham area residents are allowed to use Butte College facilities, which are owned and maintained by the college. Neighborhood Parks Durham Elementary School and Durham High School Location: Adjacent to each other in Durham Facilities: Various ball courts, playing fields, and playground equipment. Other Durham Memorial Hall (District) Location: 9319 Midway, City of Durham Size: 8496 square feet Facilities: Main hall with stage, full kitchen, and two meeting rooms. Nelson Park (District) Location: On Midway Street in Nelson, seven miles south of Durham Size: 2.5 acres Facilities: Baseball fields, swings, “open park.” Source: Durham Recreation and Parks District, 2003. Richvale Recreation and Park District The Richvale Recreation and Park District represents the smallest district in terms of land acreage and recreational facilities. The District serves the community of Richvale and its surrounding area. Table 8-5 lists the Richvale area parks and other public recreation facilities and their locations and sizes, grouped according to neighborhood parks and other. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 14 TABLE 8-5 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN RICHVALE AREA PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT Neighborhood Parks Richvale Elementary School Location: On Church Street between Broadway and School Street Facilities: Playing fields, tennis courts, shuffleboard, picnic tables, jungle gym equipment, and gymnasium. Richvale Evangelical Free Church Facilities: Ball courts, playground, and playing fields. Other Richvale Hunting Area Location: Richvale Highway Size: 26,000 acres of rice lands; boundaries change every year depending on farmers’ donations. Facilities: Provides hunting area for people (mostly out-of-towners) and wildlife viewing area. Note: Farmers donate land on annual basis, and monies generated by membership fees are recirculated back through community on as-needed basis, e.g., fire department, etc. Source: Butte County Commissioner’s Office, 2003. Gridley and Biggs Areas A special recreation and park district does not exist to serve the Gridley or Biggs areas. The City of Gridley provides limited recreational facilities and programs. The school sites provide play areas and rooms for meetings and special classes. Table 8-6 lists the Gridley and Biggs area parks and other recreation facilities and their locations, grouped according to regional parks, community parks, and neighborhood parks. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 15 TABLE 8-6 GRIDLEY-BIGGS AREA PARKS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Regional Parks Butte County Fairgrounds Location: Gridley Facilities: Facilities open year-round; fair features horticulture, agriculture, and floriculture exhibits, and livestock show; also includes meeting area, auditorium, event space sports arenas, gymnasium, education facilities, and picnic areas. Community Parks Verra Park Location: Gridley Size: 12 acres Facilities: Adult play fields, children’s play area, and ball courts. Olympic-Size Swimming Pool Location: Gridley: Between high school and fairgrounds Facilities: Swimming pool. Community Swimming Pool Location: Biggs High School Facilities: Swimming pool. City Plaza Location: Gridley Facilities: Picnic tables and gazebo. Cork Oak Park Location: Biggs Facilities: Fields and ball courts. Neighborhood Parks Biggs Family Park Location: Downtown Biggs Facilities: Picnic tables and grass field (currently under renovation). City Plaza Location: Downtown Gridley Facilities: Bandstand, picnic tables, and gazebo surrounding area that can be assumed to take on a recreational function. Schools Gridley High School Manzanita School Sycamore School Wilson School McKinley School Biggs Elementary School Biggs Middle/Junior High School Biggs High School Esperanza High School Source: Cities of Biggs & Gridley, 2003. 32 99 70 191 162 70 162 99 32 PARADISE OROVILLE BIGGS GRIDLEY CHICO RECREATIONAL FACILI TIES Figure 8-1 Butte County General Plan Source: Butte County Department of Development Services, 2003 Date printed: June 23, 2003 Miles02468101 Legend Recreational Areas Campgrounds Marinas Lakes Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 17 8.3 RECREATION PLANNING STANDARDS The recreation districts in Butte County use their own standards to measure and plan for meeting the recreation demand in their service areas. However, they are coordinating efforts to establish usage and fee standards if the County adopts a Quimby Ordinance. Passed in 1965, the Quimby Act requires developers to set aside parkland or pay in-lieu funds to public services such as recreation districts. Parkland set aside can range between 3 to 5 acres per thousand people. The National Park and Recreation Association’s (NPRA) Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines (1996) are used as a baseline to guide recreation planning agencies from which standards for their service areas are developed. These national standards serve as a guideline for measurement and are not designed to be considered as absolute requirements. The dynamic population characteristics of each district in the county require a certain amount of subjective analysis and professional experience to quantify and use these standards (or some modification thereof) for effective planning. CARD uses the NPRA standards as a guideline and has adopted its own standards in its master planning effort. These CARD facility definitions and associated standards are included in the CARD’s 1988 Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan. In 2002 CARD commissioned a nexus study between fees and Chico area development. Information from this study for the General Plan was taken from a draft version of this report, dated February 14, 2003. This study calculates the total costs of planned park acquisition and improvement, as well as facility construction. From 2003 to 2013 these costs are calculated to be $50,748,447. From 2013 to 2025, they are estimated at $48,248,447. At the buildout horizon these costs will total $109,718,771. A separate nexus study will be prepared for the CARD SOI area not within the City of Chico boundary for presentation to the Butte County Board of Supervisors for approval. The Durham Recreation and Park District uses a ratio of 6.4 acres per thousand persons, based on a 1992 survey conducted for the district’s Master Plan. The Feather River Recreation and Park District has no formal written guidelines or standards. However, it refers to the NPRA Standards for park lands. The District recognizes that the national standards are based on “urban” parks and do not always directly apply to other proposed facility types. The Paradise Area Recreation and Park District adopted a 15 year master plan in 2002 that established standards to measure and plan for meeting park and recreation demands in its service area. Its main service population is the Town of Paradise and the Magalia area. Demographics are changing from a primarily retirement community to a bedroom community for wage earners in the Chico area as well as young families dependent on local area jobs. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 18 8.4 STATE AND FEDERAL PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS, AND RESERVES State Recreation Resources Existing recreational facilities and attractions provided and administered by the State of California includes the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, encompassing 47,000 acres, with 12 specific recreation areas within it. In addition, the state parks and recreation facilities include Oroville State Wildlife Area, Grey Lodge State Waterfowl Management Area, and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Table 8-7 lists Butte County’s state parks, reserves and state recreation areas and their locations and sizes. Table 8-8 lists Butte County’s state-designated historic sites, landmarks, and monuments and their locations and facilities. Federal Recreation Resources Butte County contains approximately 133,687 acres of forest and range (public domain) lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The county includes two National Forests, Plumas National Forest and Lassen National Forest. A 209-acre research center just outside of Chico is administered by Mendocino National Forest. National forests, managed for multiple-use, emphasize providing dispersed recreation opportunities. The forests provide county residents and non-residents (drawing from a greater region) with a wide variety of recreation experiences in the natural environment. Most visitors come from northern California counties, including the major population centers of San Francisco, Sacramento, Chico, Red Bluff, and Redding. Streams, natural lakes, man-made reservoirs, trails, and campgrounds are the principal attractions. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) owns 18,600 acres in Butte County, consisting primarily of scattered foothill lands. The majority of BLM land falls within the “Forks of Butte Creek” subsection of the Ishi Management Area. BLM has designated it holdings on the Butte Creek canyon from above the Forks of Butte Creek to Helltown as an Outstanding Natural Area. In the upper Butte Creek canyon area, the Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area is the only public access site for recreation. This area provides hiking, fishing, tubing, kayaking, picnicking and camping, among other activities. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 19 TABLE 8-7 STATE PARKS, RESERVES, AND RECREATION AREAS Bidwell River Park Location: Three miles west of Chico, along a four-mile stretch of Sacramento River. Size: 180 to 220 acres Facilities: Two boat launches - Pine Creek Landing and Chico Landing; ten picnic sites at Indian Fisheries area; area is day use only, no overnight camping allowed; concessionaire rents river rafts and “dirt bags”; another boat launch that is not a “designated” boat launch is at “Gravel Bar” adjacent to Big Chico Creek - this is an extremely popular area with recreationists - about 500 visitors daily at the locale; status of park: owned in total by State, is a unit of State Park System; pending official classification this year. Lake Oroville Recreation Area Location: Lake Oroville and surrounding lands Size: 47,000 acres in entire project; 12,000 acres for recreation purposes; 15,800 acres in water resources Facilities: Boat ramps, visitor center, fish hatchery, museum, gift shop, developed and undeveloped campsites, trails, concession stands, picnicking areas, and beaches. Following is a compilation of specific areas within Lake Oroville SRA: Lime Saddle Area Location: West Branch Feather River Facilities: Beach, boat launching, and concessions. Goat Ranch Area Location: Extreme northern end of lake Facilities: Boat-in camping. Potter Ravine Area Location: Southwestern lakeshore Facilities: None. Spillway Area Location: Southwest lake by dam Facilities: Boat ramp. Thermalito Forebay North Area Location: Area directly to west of Oroville Dam Facilities: Beaches, picnicking, swimming, and sailboat launching. Visitor Center Location: Atop Kelly Ridge, southern end of lake Facilities: Interpretive displays, audiovisual room, 47-foot viewing tower, snack bar, rest rooms, and souvenir shop. Bidwell Canyon Area Location: Southern shore of lake Facilities: Two campgrounds with full hookups, boating, concessions, historic monument, overlook, and picnicking. Loafer Creek Area Location: Southeast lake Facilities: Beach, boat launching, 137 campsites, 6 group campsites. Craig Saddle Area Location: Eastern lakeshore Facilities: Boat-in camping. Sycamore Creek Area Location: Eastern lake on Middle Fork of Feather River Facilities: Boat-in camping Foreman Creek Area Location: Eastern lakeshore Facilities: Boat-in camping. Thermalito Forebay South Area Location: Area southwest of lake Facilities: Motor boat launching and picnicking. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Location: 525 Esplanade, adjacent to CSU Chico Size: 5 acres Facilities: Ornate home of Chico’s founder, John Bidwell, visitor’s center, and Park System’s district headquarters. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 20 Oroville State Wildlife Area Location: Highway 70, just west of city of Oroville size: 5,500 acres Facilities: Department of Fish and Game wildlife headquarters office, wildlife refuge, and shooting area. Note: Area is run by the California DFG and was created after construction of Oroville Reservoir to provide wildlife habitat. Gray Lodge State Waterfowl Management Area Location: Area southwest of Gridley Size: 8,375 acres Facilities: One of the most developed waterfowl marshlands in nation, created primarily as winter habitat area and for feeding and resting areas for migratory waterfowl coming into Valley. It is home of one of highest pheasant populations in state and largest concentration of waterfowl in northern continent for November and December. Source: Butte County Development Services, 1991. TABLE 8-8 STATE HISTORIC SITES, LANDMARKS, AND MONUMENTS No. 313 Hooker Oak Location: Bidwell park, Hooker Oak Recreation Area, Manzanita Ave. between Vallombrosa and Hooker Oak Ave., Chico Facilities: Park No. 314 Old Suspension Bridge Location: Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, Bidwell Canyon Road, Oroville Facilities: Site of the Mother Orange Tree of Butte County. Site of the Bidwell Bar Bridge. Now inundated by Oroville Reservoir No. 329 Rancho Chico and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Landmark and State Historic Park Location: Adjacent to CSU Chico; 525 Esplanade Size: 5 acres Facilities: Ornate home of Chico’s founder, John Bidwell. Tours, visitor’s center, and site of park system’s district headquarters Level of Use: Approximately 50,000 visitors per year. No. 330 Bidwell’s Bar Location: Lake Oroville Recreation Area, Bidwell Canyon, Bidwell Canyon Road, Oroville Facilities: Second County Seat of Butte County and Courthouse, now inundated 120 yards west of the monument. No. 770 Chinese Temple Location: 1500 Broderick Street, Oroville Facilities: Original place of worship for 10,000 Chinese that lived in the Oroville area No. 807 Oregon City Location: Diggins Road between Oroville and Cherokee Facilities: Former townsite and a covered bridge with adjacent monument No. 771 Dogtown Nugget Discovery Site Location: 0.3 miles north of Pentz-Magalia Road on Skyway Drive, Paradise Facilities: Site of largest gold nugget found in northern California (54 lbs.) Ishi State Historical Monument Location Quincy Avenue, Oroville Facilities: The Last Yahi Indian Monument Source: Butte County Development Services, 2003. Plumas National Forest Recreation opportunities in the Plumas National Forest include fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, camping, nature photography and study, swimming, boating and water skiing, gold panning and dredging, off-road vehicle and snowmobile use, and cross-country skiing. Dispersed uses are complemented by recreational developments including campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, boat launch ramps, sanitation facilities, and parking areas. Recreation areas occur throughout the forest; however, the most important and heavily used areas available within the county include the Middle Fork of the Feather River, Feather Falls Scenic Viewpoint, and Milsap Bar and Rogers Cow Camp Campgrounds. Sly Creek and Strawberry developed campgrounds Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 21 are located on Sly Creek Reservoir. The Oroville Ranger District and La Porte Ranger District are located within Butte County. Table 8-9 lists the Plumas National Forest campgrounds and recreation sites and their locations, sizes, and facilities within Butte County. Lassen National Forest Lassen National Forest recreational opportunities include camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, driving for pleasure, picnicking, snowmobiling, skiing, and off-road vehicle use. According to a 2000 visitor survey, there were an estimated 656,068 visits on the forest (a national forest visit is defined as the entry of one person on national forest land to participate in recreation activities for an unspecified period of time). The Lassen National Forest provides five campgrounds in the northwestern tip of the county. These campgrounds include Cherry Hill, Soda Springs, Butte Meadows, West Branch, and Philbrook Lake. An undeveloped camping area exists at Upper Philbrook Lake. The State Route 32 highway corridor provides access to the scenic Butte Meadows area. Table 8-10 lists the Lassen National Forest campgrounds and recreation sites and their locations, sizes and facilities within Butte County. Mendocino National Forest Research Facility Mendocino National Forest administers a 209-acre genetic research facility for coniferous tree species southeast of Chico. This facility, named the Chico Genetic Resource and Conservation Center, contains a paved trail providing public access through a 60-acre portion of the Center. This trail provides wheelchair access and receives heavy use by the handicapped. The facility is especially popular on Arbor Day and remains busy throughout the year for group tours. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 22 TABLE 8-9 PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS AND RECREATION SITES Beckwourth Ranger District Conklin Park Campground Location: 5,900 feet in elevation, located on Willow Creek. Facilities: 9 camping units, trailer space, and vault toilets; no piped water or dump station. Frenchman Lake Recreation Area Campgrounds Location: 5,700 feet in elevation. Facilities: 5 campgrounds with family units, tent sites, trailer space, flush toilets, piped water, and dumps. Lakes Basin Recreation Area Campgrounds Location: 6,250-6,400 feet in elevation. Facilities: 2 campgrounds for tents and trailers, vault toilets, and piped water. Lakes Davis Recreation Area Campgrounds Laufman Campground Location: 5,100 feet in elevation, next to Willow Creek. Facilities: 6 camping units, vault toilets, and trailer space, but no piped water and no dump station. Meadow View Campground Location: 6,100 feet in elevation, between Sugarloaf and Meadow View Peaks. Facilities: 6 camping units, vault toilets, and trailer space, but no piped water and no dump station. Feather River Ranger District Feather Falls Campground Location: 2,500 feet in elevation, in the Feather Falls Scenic Area. Facilities:. 5 camping units, piped water, and vault toilets, but no trailer space and no dump station. Little Grass Valley Reservoir Campgrounds Location: 5046 feet in elevation. Facilities: Seven campgrounds with tent sites, trailer spaces, flush toilets, piped water, and a dump station. Little North Fork Campground Location: 4,000 feet in elevation. Facilities: 8 camping units and vault toilets, but no trailer space, no piped water and no dump station. Milsap Bar Campground - Location: 1,600 feet in elevation. Facilities:20 camping units and vault toilets; no trailer space, no piped water and no dump station. Rogers Cow Camp Location: 4,000 feet in elevation, off Oroville-Quincy Highway. Facilities: 5 camping units, trailer space, and vault toilets, but no piped water and no dump station. Sly Creek Reservoir Campgrounds - Location: 3,530 feet in elevation Facilities: Two campgrounds, trailer space, and vault toilets; no dump station. Mt. Hough District Antelope Lake Recreation Area Campground Location: 5000 feet in elevation, on Antelope Lake. Facilities: Five campgrounds with trailer space, vault toilets, piped water, and dump stations. Brady's Campground Location: 7,200 feet in elevation. Facilities: 4 camping units and vault toilets, but no trailer space, no piped water and no dump station. Bucks Lake Recreation Area Campgrounds Location: 5000 feet in elevation, on Bucks Lake. Facilities: 5 campgrounds, trailer space, vault toilets, dump stations. Deanes Valley Campground Location: 4,400 feet in elevation. Facilities: 7 camping units, trailer space, and vault toilets, but no piped water and no dump station. Gansner Bar Campgrounds Location: 2,300 feet in elevation. Facilities: 14 units, trailer space, flush toilets, piped water, and a dump station Hallsted Campground Location: 2,800 feet in elevation. Facilities: 20 camping units, trailer space, piped water, and flush toilets, but no dump station. North Fork and Queen Lily Campgrounds Location: 2,600 feet in elevation, on North Fork Feather River. Facilities: Two campgrounds, trailer space, flush toilets, piped water, and a dump station. Silver Lake Campground Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 23 Location: 5,800 feet in elevation, on Silver Lake. Facilities: 8 camping units and vault toilets; no trailer space, no piped water and no dump station. Snake Lake Campground Location: 4,200 feet in elevation. Facilities: 7 camping units and vault toilets; no trailer space, no piped water and no dump station. TABLE 8-10 LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS AND RECREATION SITES Cherry Hill Campground Location:In LNF on Butte Creek; T26N R4E SEC14 Size: 14 acres Facilities:13 tent sites;, 12 tent/RV sites, RV limit 22’, drinking water, and vault toilets. Soda Springs Campground Location:LNF on Cascade Creek; T26N R3E SEC24 Size: 3 acres, Facilities: 10 tent sites, no drinking water, and vault toilet Butte Meadows Campground Location:LNF on Butte Creek; T26N R4E SEC28 Size: 3 acres Facilities:13 tent/RV sites, drinking water, and vault toilets West Branch Campground Location:West of Philbrook Lake in LNF; T25N R4E SEC10 Size: 3 acres Facilities:15 tent/RV sites, and drinking water, and vault toilets. Philbrook Lake Campground - PG&E owned and operated Location:North shore of Philbrook Lake in LNF; T25N R4E SEC12 Size: 2 acres Facilities:10 tent/RV sites, and RV limit 22’, and vault toilets. Camp Lassen - Boy Scouts of America Location:On private land owned by Diamond International; Highway 32 by Butte Meadow facilities: Lodge building, and water supply, and several other buildings. Source: Lassen National Forest 2003. 8.5 RECREATIONAL CORRIDORS, TRAILS, AND SPECIAL AREAS Recreational Corridors - Highway Travel Several transportation corridors in the county provide access to recreational opportunities located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. About five miles north of Oroville, State Route 70 (commonly called the Feather River Highway) turns northeast through the foothills to Plumas National Forest. It provides access to the Feather River canyon area and into the Sierra Nevada foothills in Plumas County. Highway 149 is an important transportation corridor between Southe Routes 70 and 99, connecting the community of Oroville to the Chico area. State Route 99 access to valley and riparian environments and recreation areas. From Sutter County north, State Route 99 follows the Feather River and just north of Chico turns northwest towards Red Bluff. State Route 32 provides access from the Chico area northeast to the alpine environment of Butte Meadows. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 24 Wild and Scenic Rivers A 77.6-mile portion of the Middle Fork of the Feather River has federal Wild and Scenic River status. This river is located within the boundaries of the Plumas National Forest. The wild and scenic designation covers 24,000 acres, generally within a 1/8 to 1/4 mile band along the river, and extends from Beckworth in the Sierra Valley (Plumas County) to Lake Oroville. Approximately 10.5 miles of this wild and scenic river flow through Butte County. The river represents a unique free-flowing stream that is the only charter member of the National Wild and Scenic River System in California. Within the county, the river falls into two distinct management zones. The first is the Bald Rock Canyon Wild River Zone, which extends from Lake Oroville (900 feet elevation) upstream for about 5.4 miles through Bald Rock Canyon to the junction of an unnamed drainage on the east side of the river (1,500 feet elevation). The second is the Milsap Bar Scenic River Zone, which is about 3.6 miles long, and continues upstream from the Bald Rock Canyon Wild River Zone to a point about five miles east of Devil’s Gulch. Both zones provide a recreational experience compatible with a free-flowing river. The river meanders through meadowlands and a small canyon. Milsap Bar campground is located within the Wild and Scenic River area and provides overnight camping facilities and river access by dirt road. No other road access is available along the river in Butte County. Access and uses are restricted along the river. Gold dredging is permitted only in the Milsap Bar Scenic River Zone. A 7-mile segment of the Fall River, entirely located in Butte County between Nelson’s Crossing and Lake Oroville, is eligible for Wild and Scenic River status. This segment of the Fall River meets the Wild and Scenic criteria, and suitability for official designation will be made based on a future study to be conducted by the Plumas National Forest. Trails Most of the developed trails within the national forests are located in the foothill and Sierra Nevada regions of eastern Butte County. The county does not have any formal or organized system of trails nor a specific interest group involved in the formation and promotion of a county or region-wide trails system. However, within the Chico Recreation and Park District, a system of trails serves the Chico urban area. Table 8-11 lists the existing trails inventory for Butte County and their locations. The National Trails are described below. Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Approximately six miles of the federally designated “Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail” is located in Lassen National Forest on the eastern Butte-Plumas County border. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail receives high use, as this trail provides continuous recreational access from Canada to Mexico. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 25 The Feather Falls National Recreation Trail This 3.5-mile trail is located within Plumas National Forest, and provides hiking access to the Feather Falls National Scenic Area and to the Feather Falls, noted as the sixth highest waterfall in the continental United States and third highest waterfall in California. The Feather Falls trail and scenic area is a very popular spring and summer attraction. TABLE 8-11 BUTTE COUNTY TRAILS INVENTORY Trail Name Location Yahi Trail City of Chico, Upper Bidwell Park Big Bald Rock Trail 0.3 mi.; climbs to top of big Bald Rock Dome Trail 2.3 mi.; below Bald Rock Dome (Bald Rock Canyon Trail) South Branch Falls Trail NF, Milsap Bar area “Snag Lake” Trail Lassen NF, Butte meadows to Snag Lake Butte Creek Trail NF, of Doe Mill Ridge Paradise Parkway Trail City of Paradise, through town Valley Ridge Trail Lassen NF, Butte Creek Canyon rim Bille Park Trail Paradise, trail in Bille Park area Town Trail Clear Creek Chrome Mine Trail Middle Fork Butte Creek Canyon Paradise Reservoir Trail Paradise Reservoir Ponderosa Way Trail Middle Butte Creek Canyon Merchant’s Bar Road Trail West Branch Feather River Miocene Canal Trail West Branch Feather River Magalia Dam Trail Little Butte Creek Feather River Parkway Trail 15 acres along Feather River through BDRK Park Little Chico Creek Trail 3 acres; along Little Chico Creek Butte Creek House Trail 2 mi. LNF, Jonesville to Butte Creek House California Hiking and Equestrian Trail 7 mi. Along Thermalito Afterbay areas Chico Loop 23.3 mi.; circumvents Chico urban area Wildcat Trail 0.2 mi.; northeast of Paradise on Butte Co. border Mountain House Trail 1.9 mi.; north of Feather River Scenic Area Lewis Mine Trail 1.5 mi.; north of Forbestown Watson Spur Trail 2.6 mi.; north out of Feather Falls Jackson Ranch Trail 2.4 mi.; east out of Feather Falls Fall River Trail 3.8 mi.; northeast out of Feather Falls Hanson Bar Trail 1.5 mi.; Butte boundary, south Feather River Sky High Trail 2.0 mi.; north of Feather River Scenic Area Lindo Channel Trail Within Chico Loop Trail Source: Butte County Development Services, 1991. 8.6 PRIVATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Private recreational lands and facilities play a key role in county leisure activities, both for public and private use. Generally, golf, tennis and other sports clubs, baseball and softball, and swimming and boating, are the more popular recreational activities. Recreation facilities in the Chico area include bowling alleys, public and private golf courses and driving ranges, diving instruction, swimming pools, health spas, gymnasiums, tennis and racquetball courts, hunting and fishing preserves, race tracks, skating rinks, museums, playgrounds, and parks. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 26 Private recreational facilities in the Paradise area include boat rentals, bowling alleys, golf, golf practice ranges, tennis, wineries, flea markets, museums, playgrounds, and parks. Private recreational facilities in the Oroville area focus primarily on Lake Oroville and its environs. Facilities in the Oroville area include boat rentals, bowling alleys, golf courses, swimming pools, tennis, museums and a number of casinos that provide a variety of entertainment and recreational activities. The South Feather Water and Power Agency owns and manages several private recreation areas. These include two areas at Little Grass Valley Reservoir and two areas at Sly Creek. Private recreational facilities in Butte County are listed according to usage and location in Table 8-12. Usages indicated in Table 8-12 are golf courses; tennis, racquetball, and handball clubs; other sports clubs; baseball and softball facilities; swimming facilities; boating facilities, other recreation centers; and bowling alleys. Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Bed and Breakfasts Over night visitor accommodations in Butte County, excluding camping, are found primarily in the Chico, Oroville, and Paradise areas. The Chico area has an estimated 18 hotels/motels and four bed and breakfast establishments. The Oroville area has an estimated 16 hotels/motels and three bed and breakfasts. The Paradise area has an estimated 12 hotel/motels and one bed and breakfast establishment. Private Campgrounds Private developed opportunities for both tent and recreational vehicle camping are lacking in Butte County. Existing sites are concentrated around the major population centers of Chico and Oroville. Most camping is on a dispersed basis in undeveloped areas with no facilities. One privately owned campground, B & J Campground, functions primarily as a tent campground. This campground is located to the west of Oroville on the Feather River. It has sites and facilities for 21 tents at maximum capacity. They are open and occupied year-round but usually operate at capacity only during peak vacation seasons. Private recreational vehicle (RV) campgrounds are also very limited in supply. The two RV lots are Dingerville USA, located on Pacific Heights Road adjacent to the Oroville State Wildlife Management Area; and Pine Ridge RV Park, located on Pentz Road, southeast of the town of Paradise, on the West Branch of the Feather River. These campgrounds have 38 and 41 lots respectively. B & J Campground also has space for 3 RV campers. Several mobile home parks in Butte County have space available for overnight RV campers. Chapter 8: Recreation Final Draft August 8, 2005 Butte County General Plan Background Report 27 Community Events The residents of Butte County enjoy a wide range of community events in a variety of types including festivals, harvest fairs, musical events, parades, cultural events and athletic events. These events play a large role in the social life of Butte County residents in every month of the year. The Butte County Fair and Silver Dollar Fair are only two of at least eight different fairs that are held in the Butte County area. Festivals include the Salmon Festival in Oroville, the Snow Goose Festival in Chico, and a large variety of other harvest festivals that celebrate the natural, cultural, and agricultural heritage of Butte County. Music is also an important component of the cultural scene in Butte County. Butte County is home to a number of popular parades and music festivals such as the Old Time Fiddlers Competition. A number of venues in Chico, Paradise, and Oroville host mainstream musical entertainers on a year round basis. Athletic and outdoor activities also provide outlets for entertainment in Butte County. Bass fishing, golf, and a wide variety of other athletic events are held in Chico, Paradise, Oroville, and other locations in Butte County. Scenic Highway Corridors Butte County has no officially designated state scenic highways, as identified in the “Master Plan of State Highways Eligible for Official State Designation” by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). However, Caltrans does designate State Route 70 as “eligible” for designation as a state scenic highway from its intersection with State Route 99 northeast to State Route 89 in Plumas County. The County has designated two highways in the county as scenic: State Route 32 east of Forest Ranch and State Route 70 east of Pentz Road. Although these sections of the highway could be considered for state scenic highway designation, the County has not proceeded towards gaining such state designation. Other Recreational Facilities PG&E owns and operates the following public recreational facilities that it has developed in conjunction with its hydroelectric plants: De Sabla Forebay fishing access and De Sabla Group Picnic Area, located off Skyway, approximately 10 miles north of Paradise; Philbrook fishing access, car-top boat launch, campground, and picnic area, located approximately 30 miles north of Paradise; and Shady Rest picnic area, roadside rest, and information center, located on Highway 70.