While driving a client around Chico the other day, I was asked what my favorite things were about our little college town. Didn’t take long for me to respond: “The people, the laid-back pace, and the PARK!” Now, anyone who has been in Chico for any length of time knows that the “park” means Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country (at about 3700 acres, including “Upper Park,” north of Manzanita Avenue).
The funny thing is, when I moved to Chico (sight-unseen) nearly 29 years ago, I didn’t even know about Bidwell Park! What a gem. Being a nature lover, it’s hard for me to imagine ever wanting to live anyplace that doesn’t have an amenity like this. I do believe having such abundant access to the gorgeous trails, creeks, trees and views is what helps keep Chico people so happy and the pace so laid back. Thanks, Annie Bidwell, for your thoughtful and generous donation to the people of Chico, and thanks to the folks who help keep our park the gem that it is!*
*To name a few: City of Chico Parks Department (including the Bidwell Park Volunteer Program), Friends of Bidwell Park, Chico Creek Nature Center,
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