Ridge parks bright future
Dan Efseaff, District Manager
Paradise Recreation and Park District
R
emember way back in the early days? When we were making sour dough bread at home? Talking about (or in my case, avoiding) the Tiger King? When zoom simply meant to ‘go fast?’ Figuring out how to “MacGyver” masks out of home supplies? Wondering if we’d ever see toilet paper again? . . .Do you miss non-sarcastic humor? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, and though it feels too long, it’s been only 6 months. Just think of this as a personal growth opportunity.
The Paradise Recreation and Park District has devoted this year to developing programs and events and funding for facilities and new trails and amenities in the District. Let’s say revised expectations have ruled our approach.
We’ve started planning for events or programs, only to push the calendar out. On the bright side, we are amassing some amazing plans and events for 2021. We also had the chance to refine some of our abilities to deliver programs via teleconferencing or social media. For example, we hoped to bring back the fishing derby to Aquatic Park and Paradise Lake this year. While we succeeded in getting a trout delivery to the lake, the derby event became unfeasible with COVID restrictions. Not wishing to let another year pass without this beloved tradition, we conducted a virtual photo fishing derby and received some fantastic entries: a giant catfish, a bald eagle video, little kids catching big fish, and
PARADISE RISING Resource Guide for the Ridge
See park listings on pages 34-35
big adults catching little fish—and everyone with big smiles. We opened the pools for lap swimming.
Time spent outdoors has become a critical part of people’s routines, and is also a critical part of our “Healing Through Nature” program which has helped students and schools engage with resiliency skills.
While we suspended the Ice Rink for this year, we will bring some winter cheer with our Winter Wonderland and associated new activities. Check out our web site for event updates. We started discussions with the Paradise Irrigation District before the fire, and we proudly took over the recreation management of Paradise Lake on June 1st. We are seeking comments to inform plans for next year’s programming. We have already received positive feedback on improvements, activities, and our volunteer program efforts. Speaking of input, we are putting together funding packages for park development and trails throughout the District, and we need to hear from you. This also serves as a foundation for input on our District-wide Master Management Plan.
We are exploring additions to our parks that will help protect the community from catastrophic fire and create new recreation opportunities, and we would love your input and ideas. What do you want to see at Lakeridge Park in Magalia? What improvements do you need at Noble, Moore, and Bille Parks in Paradise? How about Butte Creek Canyon and Concow/Yankee Hill? We welcome your input.
Paradise Recreation and Parks District 6626 Skyway, Paradise 530 872-6393 or info@paradiseprpd.com FALL/WINTER 2020....................................................................................................9
