Caper Acres Playground, Bidwell Park

This week, City of Chico City Manager Mark Orme steps outside the office and into Bidwell Park to talk with Erik Gustafson, our Director of Public Works - Parks & Operations. They discuss a very special announcement, and also news about park improvements, new City parks, and more.

Caper Acres is scheduled to reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. The playground will return to its regular schedule, opening Tuesdays through Sundays. (When an observed holiday falls on a Monday, the playground remains open that day, and then closes Tuesday of that week.) Playgrounds and other outdoor recreational facilities in the State of California were closed in March of 2020 to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Last week, Governor Newsom and... the California Department of Public Health announced playgrounds are allowed to reopen to the public subject to certain guidelines. Visitors to outdoor community playgrounds must comply with the following requirements: 1. WEAR A MASK - Face masks over the mouth and nose are required for everyone 2 years of age or older with caregiver supervision at all times to ensure face mask use. 2. MAINTAIN DISTANCE Maintain physical distance of 6 feet between individuals from different households and prevent crowding of children. 3. NO FOOD OR DRINK - Do not eat or drink in the playground to ensure face masks are worn at all times. 4. WASH HANDS - Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit. Additional sanitizer stations have been placed inside Caper Acres. 5. PLAN AHEAD - Visit the park at different times or days to avoid crowds and reduce wait times for play equipment. 6. KNOW WHEN TO STAY HOME If you or your child are sick, please stay home. Elderly individuals and people with underlying medical conditions should also avoid playgrounds when others are present. 7. SHARE THE SPACE - Please limit your visit to 30 minutes if needed to avoid crowding and to allow everyone an opportunity to use the playground. Park users are responsible for their own sanitation and safety. Reservations for the Caper Acres birthday rings or other park reservations will not be accepted at this time due to COVID-19 group gathering restrictions.

The Crooked House in open once again! Thank you for your patience as a few adjustments were made.

Steve heads out to Caper Acres for the Crooked House grand opening on National Night Out on Aug. 6th 2019. He talks with Park Services Coordinator Shane Romain about the very special event.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE National Night Out Chico, CA ... Location: City of Chico Neighborhoods Date/Time: August 6, 2019 Between 5PM-8PM National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more welcoming places to live. It is a time to get to know your neighbors and your police department. On Tuesday, August 6th, from 5PM to 8PM, neighbors throughout Chico are asked to lock their doors, turn on the porch lights and spend the evening outside together. Most communities celebrate National Night Out by hosting block parties, BBQ’s, ice cream socials, potlucks and other various community/neighborhood events, with visits from Chico Police personnel. It is now critically important for neighbors to look out for each other, and for neighborhoods to get to know their police officers., said Police Chief Michael O’Brien. That is the fundamental purpose behind National Night Out, and one I strongly support! The City of Chico Parks Division will also be hosting a National Night Out event from 5:30PM-7:30PM at Caper Acres in Bidwell Park. The Chico Target Department store will be hosting games for all to enjoy and the Chico Police Officers’ Association will be grilling hotdogs. There will also be appearances by a Chico Police K-9 Unit, Chico Police VIPS and Chico Fire and Rescue. Come on by to say hello and check out the newly rebuilt Crooked House and see what’s happening next with the Caper Acre renovation plans. If you are planning a National Night Out event for your neighborhood and would like a visit from public safety personnel, please call the Chico Police Department at (530) 897-5812 to register your event. Please leave your name and contact information so we can set up a visit during your event. We look forward to seeing you! Register your neighborhood event by calling - (530) 897-5812.

Thank you Chico Noon Rotary!

Good Morning! Look what we spotted happening @ Caper Acres today while we were cleaning up with the Friday volunteer group...

Hello friends of BPSS&P! In this video Steve Depa talks with urban forest manager Richie Bamlet and Chico Fire Division Chief Jesse Alexander about recent tre...e work in Caper Acres, the importance of proper tree care and maintenance within the park and throughout the City of Chico. May 9th 2019 | A.C.S. 2019 Get involved. Make a difference!