5 minute read
Parks bright future
See park listings on pages 34-35 Ridge parks bright future
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Dan Efseaff, District Manager Paradise Recreation and Park District 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
Remember way back in the early days? When we were routines, and is also a critical part of our “Healing Through Namaking sour dough bread at home? Talking about (or ture” program which has helped students and schools engage in my case, avoiding) the Tiger King? When zoom simwith resiliency skills. ply 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? 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. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, and though it feels too long, it’s been only 6 months. We started discussions with the Paradise Irrigation District before the fire, and we proudly took over the recreation manJust think of this as a personal growth opportunity. agement of Paradise Lake on June 1st. We are seeking comThe 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. ments to inform plans for next year’s programming. We have already received positive feedback on improvements, activities, and our volunteer program efforts. Let’s say revised expectations have ruled our approach. Speaking of input, we are putting together funding packages for park development and trails throughout the District, and We’ve started planning for events or programs, only to push we need to hear from you. This also serves as a foundation for the calendar out. On the bright side, we are amassing some input on our District-wide Master Management Plan. 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. 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. For example, we hoped to bring back the fishing derby to What do you want to see at Lakeridge Park in Magalia? What Aquatic Park and Paradise Lake this year. While we succeeded improvements do you need at Noble, Moore, and Bille Parks in in getting a trout delivery to the lake, the derby event became Paradise? How about Butte Creek Canyon and Concow/Yanunfeasible with COVID restrictions. Not wishing to let another kee Hill? We welcome your input. 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 Recreation and Parks District 6626 Skyway, Paradise 530 872-6393 or info@paradiseprpd.com PARADISE RISING Resource Guide for the Ridge FALL/WINTER 2020 ...................................................................................................9
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Town of Paradise Moving Forward!
By Colette Curtis
Assistant to Paradise Town Manager
With new homes being built every day, you might wonder what Paradise has to offer outside of construction – the answer is plenty! New businesses are opening to serve our residents and visitors. Tractor Supply is opening a store in part of the old Kmart building on Clark Road. Restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, hardware stores, drug stores, hair salons and even a women’s clothing boutique offer Ridge residents and visitors the services they are looking for close to home. A wastewater system for our commercial areas will allow our businesses greater opportunity to serve our residents, and a broadband project will bring better and faster connectivity to residents and businesses.
Rebuilding Paradise has surpassed expectations In the two years since the Camp Fire, Paradise has made a lot of progress! As of early September, over 1,000 building permits have been issued and 310 new homes have been completed. The rebuilding process has been moving very quickly, especially now that our Building Resiliency Center (BRC) is open to serve our residents. The BRC, located at 6295 Skyway (the old Bank of America Building) houses the Town’s building, onsite septic and planning departments and provides a one-stop-shop for those rebuilding in Paradise. Rebuild Advocates are also available at the BRC to help Camp Fire survivors navigate the rebuilding process, from insurance to financial help available for the permitting process. The BRC is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., phone (530) 872-6291 x411. Community safety a priority As we rebuild our community, safety is our top priority. The Paradise Police Department has been successful in recruiting new officers out of the Police Academy as well as more seasoned officers from neighboring communities. Our Police Department is fully staffed, with officers focused on keeping our community safe as we rebuild. Cal Fire continues to protect the Town of Paradise by providing staffing for our Fire Stations, and the Town continues to work with our Fire Safe Council on weed abatement and education programs to keep our community as fire safe as possible. New, stricter regulations on weed and brush on property are being enforced by our Fire Inspectors and Code Enforcement Officers, making sure everyone does their part to keep Paradise fire safe. It’s an exciting time in our community with rebuilding and recovery in full swing. Town staff is working hard on our Long Term Recovery Projects, including an Early Warning System for emergencies, and a comprehensive transportation study which will identify and prioritize improvements needed for evacuation routes. The road to recovery is a long one, with many obstacles along the way. Despite those obstacles, Paradise keeps moving forward, rebuilding and recovering to again be all the name implies.
