Parks, Recreation,
& Open Space
3
Chapter 3 - Parks, Recreation, &
Open Space
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Valley’sEdgeParks,Recreation,&OpenSpace 3-2
3.3 RockWalls 3-22
3.4 Valley’sEdgeTrailSystem 3-22
3.5 MaintenanceandManagement 3-24
3.6 OakWoodlandMitigationandManagementPlan 3-24
3.1 Introduction
AsevidentinboththeGeneralPlanandsocialfabricofthecommunity,Chico’sresidentsplacegreatvalue
inparks,recreation,andoutdoorexperiences.Valley’sEdgepromotesChico’sactiveoutdoorlifestyleby
dedicatingnearly700-acresforrecreationusesandopenspace.
This Chapter summarizes applicable General Plan directives which have informed the design of the
planningarea.TheCity’sacreagestandardsforparkandgreenwaysarealsodescribed.Passiveopen
spaceelementssuchastheRegionalPark,linearparks,andcreeksidegreenwaysarepresented,aswell
asdiscussionandconceptillustrationsofparkandrecreationalelements,includingthecommunitypark,
neighborhoodparks,mini-parks,andspecialuseparks.Lastly,discussionisprovidedontheownership
andmanagementofthevariousparks,recreationalandpublicuselandandfacilities.
3.2 Valley’s Edge Parks, Recreation, & Open Space
Valley’sEdgerepresentsauniqueareaofChicowhereparks,trails,andinteractionswithnatureplay
aheightenedrolepromotingphysical,social,andenvironmentalhealth.OpenspaceinValley’sEdge
servesmanyinterestsandpurposes;Figure3-1:ParkPlanidentifiesparkspaceswithintheValley’sEdge
SpecificPlan(VESP)areaandFigure3-2illustratesmoredetailfortheproposedparks,openspace,and
recreationusesinthewesterncorridoroftheplanningarea.
From a sustainability perspective, the open space land use designation protects Oak Woodlands,
preservessensitivehabitat,safeguardsnaturaldrainages,facilitateswildlifemovement,andestablishes
apermanenturbangrowthbuffer.Fromaculturalperspective,openspaceprotectsresourcessuchas
pioneererarockwalls,theoldDoeMillWagonRoad,andotherareasofculturalsensitivity.Froma
societalperspective,openspaceprovidesbufferstoamelioratevisualimpacts,whileparksandtrails
offerawealthofbenefitsfromoutdoorrecreationandexercise,toareasforsocializingandenhanced
qualityoflifeforpeopleofallagesandabilities.Fromachild’sperspective,parksarewherefriendsand
memoriesaremade.
Table 3.1 Park & Open Space Elements
Regional Park 371.2acres
LinearParks,CreeksideGreenways&OpenSpaceCorridors 178.6acres
CommunityPark 36.4 acres
NeighborhoodParks(HomesteadPark,Child’sMeadowsandPioneerPark) 16.0acres
Mini-Parks&TotLots 2.9 acres
BigMeadows 17.8acres
VillageCorePark 3.16 acres
SeniorParks 2.9 acres
EnvironmentalPreserves 46.3 acres
Total 675.26 acres
Open space designation accounts for societal, cultural, and ecological benefits.
Figure 3-1: Park Plan
PRESERVE PRESERVE
WAGON RUT TRAIL WAGON RUT TRAIL
PRESERVE PRESERVE
REGIONAL REGIONAL
PARK PARK
REGIONAL REGIONAL
PARK PARK SECONDARY
SECONDARY ENTRY ENTRY
PRIMARY PRIMARY ENTRY ENTRY
PRESERVE PRESERVE EAST20THST.
STEVEHARRISONMEMORIALBIKEPATH
KIOSK / REST AREA TRAILHEAD Preserve Regional Park
COMMUNITY PARK
HOMESTEAD PARK
VILLAGE CORE PARK CHILDS MEADOWS PARK PIONEER PARK
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BIG MEADOWS PARK
Linear Parks, Creekside Greenways,
& Open Space Corridors 1
4 2 5 3
7
GEND LE
6Figure 3-2: Western Corridor Planned Park, Open Space, and Recreation Uses PRESERVE
PRESERVE
BIG MEADOWS PARK BIG MEADOWS PARK
Lower Frontier Lower Frontier
Lake Lake
Frontier Frontier Lake Lake
14 ACRE 14 ACRE SCHOOL SITE SCHOOL SITE 36 ACRE
36 ACRE COMMUNITY PARK COMMUNITY PARK
VILLAGE VILLAGE
CORE CORE
PIONEER PIONEER
PARK PARK VILLAGE
VILLAGE CORE PARK CORE PARK
Low Density Low Density Residential Residential
Low Density Low Density Residential Residential Low Density
Low Density Residential Residential To East
To East 20th Street 20th Street
To Skyway To Skyway
Community Garden Community Garden
Sports Sports Court Court Play Area Play Area
Play Play Area Area
Picnic &
Picnic &
Restroom Restroom
•
• RestroomRestroom
•
• ConcessionConcession
•
• PlazaPlaza
•
• Seating TerraceSeating Terrace
•
• Native plantsNative plants
•
• Slope Slope stabilization stabilization
•
• Class I PathClass I Path
•
• Creek crossingCreek crossing
•
• 4 Multi-use fields4 Multi-use fields
•
• Picnic sheltersPicnic shelters
•
• Restroom/Restroom/
Concession Concession
•
• BandstandBandstand
•
• Terraced field Terraced field seating seating
•
• Spray park Spray park
•
• PlaygroundPlayground
•
• Dog ParkDog Park
•
• Court/turf play Court/turf play
•
• Disc golfDisc golf
•
• Shade TreesShade Trees
•
• TerraceTerrace
•
• ADA AccessADA Access
•
• Pedestrian TrailheadPedestrian Trailhead
•
• Group/Individual Picnic Group/Individual Picnic
•
• Frontier LakeFrontier Lake
- Fish pier, interpretive panels, - Fish pier, interpretive panels,
parking, paddling boats, parking, paddling boats, overlook, beach overlook, beach
•
• Lower Frontier LakeLower Frontier Lake - Adventure play, natural play - Adventure play, natural play
areas, picnic, and parking areas, picnic, and parking
•
• Fire Storage Fire Storage
•
• Water Fowl Viewing Water Fowl Viewing Spray Park
Spray Park
& Plaza
& Plaza STADIUM &
STADIUM &
FIELD FIELD
NATURAL AREA & TRAIL NATURAL AREA & TRAIL
FIELD SEATING FIELD SEATING
Active Active Adult Adult
Senior Senior Community Community Turf
Turf Green Green
steve memorial bike pathsteve memorial bike path
Village Village Commercial Commercial
Village Village Commercial Commercial Village
Village Commercial Commercial
Community Community
Center Center
Medium- Medium- High Density High Density Residential Residential
Medium Medium Density Density Residential Residential
3.2.1 Chico General Plan Park & Greenway Standards
TheChicoAreaRecreationandParkDistrict(CARD)andtheCity’sGeneralPlanprovidesthefollowing
acreagestandardsforparksandopenspacegreenways:
• 1.5acresofneighborhoodparksper1,000residents(CARDstandard)
• 2.5acresofcommunityparksper1,000residents(CARDstandard)
• 2.5acresofgreenwaysper1,000residents(GeneralPlanstandard)
The Valley’s Edge scale and vision represents a unique opportunity to double the City’s designated
acreageforparks,recreation,andopenspacewithinareasoftheCitysuitableforaccommodatingChico’s
plannedgrowth.RefertotheParkStandardstablebelowandTable3.1.TheValley’sEdgelanduseplan
designatesroughly675acresforparks,openspace,andpublicuses.Asof2021,theCity’sinventoryof
parkland(excludingonlynaturalareasofBidwellPark)totals668acres.
Valley’sEdge,comprisinglessthan4%oftheGeneralPlan’sbuild-outpopulation,deliversmuch-needed
parkspaceinthisportionoftheCity,whichiscurrentlyunderserved,especiallywithregardtocommunity
parkswithplayfields.TheexcessrecreationalcapacitycreatedbythevariousparkareaswithinValley’s
Edgewillprovideopportunitiesforcurrentandfutureresidents.
PARK STANDARDS
CITYSTANDARDS VALLEY’SEDGE 20
40 60 80
ACRES
Neighborhood Community Greenway
3.2.2 The Regional Park
With its diverse topography, the VESP’s approximately
370 acre regional park is intended to provide recreational
opportunities similar to those found in Upper Bidwell Park.
The Regional Park comprises an expansive buffer along the
planningarea’snorthern,eastern,andsouthernboundaries.
Recreationalusesmayincludewildlifeobservation,mountain
biking, hiking, trail running, disc golf, horseback riding and otheractiveactivities,allofwhichpromotephysicalfitness.
TheValley’sEdgeRegionalParkwouldalsoservepublicinterests
such as conservation of Oak Woodlands, preserving Upper
ComancheCreek,retainingtheruralvisualcharacteristicsof
Butte Creek Canyon and Stilson Canyon, and establishing a
permanentbarriertoeastwardurbanexpansion.Further,the
RegionalParkwouldsupportwildlandfiresuppressionefforts
byprovidingmultipleaccesspointsforemergencyrespondersandactingasabufferwherevegetation
managementtreatmentscanbeappliedtominimizefirehazardsalongthewildland-urbaninterface.
The eventual elimination of cattle grazing coupled with enhanced on-site water retention as well as
nativeandmicro-climateappropriateplantingsisexpectedtoincreasebiodiversityandthenumberof
oaktreesovertime.
Trailheadsfromopenspacecorridorsandalonginternalroadwayswillprovidefrequentandconvenient
connectionstotheRegionalParkforpedestriansandbicyclists.TheabundanceoftrailsinValley’sEdgewill
requireongoingmanagementtofosterbothrewardinguserexperiencesandresponsibleenvironmental
stewardship.TheproposedtrailsystemisfurtherdiscussedinChapter5:Circulation&Trails.
To create opportunities for use and enjoyment for
thegeneralpublic,theapplicantwillmakeanoffer
to dedicate the Regional Park to the City of Chico.
Untilsuchtimeasthededicationoflandisaccepted,
theparkwillbeownedandmanagedbytheValley’s
EdgeHomeownersAssociation(HOA),accessibleto
residents, as well as non-residents registered with
theHOA.
The Plan protects the rural visual character of creeks within the Valley’s Edge Regional Park.
“Open space areas will provide a buffer along the entire Stilson Canyon rim to the north and along
Honey Run Road to the south, and will establish a permanent buffer
against foothill encroachment to the east”
- CHICO GENERAL PLAN APPENDIX C -DOE MILL/HONEY RUN SPECIAL
PLANNING AREA
3.2.3 Linear Parks, Creekside Greenways & Open Space Corridors
TheVESP’slinearparksandcreeksidegreenwayconceptsrespondtotheGeneralPlan’s(GP)direction
topreservenaturalareasthatareeitherunsuitableorinappropriatefordevelopment.InValley’sEdge,
theseopenspaceelementsarecharacterizedbybandsofOakWoodlands,meanderingswales,rock
outcroppings,ridgelines,andseasonalcreekcorridorstraversingeast-westthroughtheplanningarea.
OpenspacecorridorsalsoestablishaninternalframeworkfortheVESP’sbicycleandpedestriantrail
system(Figure5-2),connectingtheexistingSteveHarrisonMemorialBikePathontheplanningarea’s
western boundary to the Regional Park along the planning area’s eastern boundary. The proposed
SilveradoTrail,ameanderingClassIPathrunningnorth-southfashion,bisectsaseriesofeasttowest
trails,creatingcrisscrosspatternswhichaddvariety,interest,andconnectivitytotheoveralltrailsystem.
Trailsinfusedwith“playpockets”willcreatediverseandplayfulexperiences,motivatingchildren,parents,
andfriendstoconnectoutdoorsandengageinhealthyactivitiestogether.Trailwayelementsmayalso
includecreeksideviewingareas,shadedrestareas,viewoverlooks,picnictables,exerciseapparatuses,
interpretiveandway-findingkiosks,andotherlowimpactimprovements.
Beyondconservationandrecreation,openspacecorridorswillsoftenandvisuallyenhancetheplanning
areaedges.DesignatedValleyOpenSpace(V-OS)ontheLandUsePlan(Figure4-1inChapter4),these
openspaceelementsrepresentapproximately180acresoftheValley’sEdgeopenspaceframework.
Rock outcroppings, seasonal creeks, meandering swales, and Oak Woodlands are some of the natural components characterizing Valley’s Edge open space.
3.2.4 Community Park & Elementary School Site
The expectation for a community park in the Valley’s Edge
planningareaisidentifiedinAppendixCoftheGeneralPlan,as
wellastheChicoAreaRecreationDistrict’s(CARD)2008Plan,
which was updated in 2019. The potential for an elementary
school site within the planning area is also described in the
General Plan. The General Plan also encourages cooperative
useofthepublicparkandChicoUnifiedSchoolDistrict(CUSD)
facilities.
TheVESP’spubliclandusedescriptionsandillustrationsrepresent
avisioninformedbycollaborationwithCARDandCUSD.This
processoptimizescirculationforbicycles,pedestrians,vehicles,
andbuses(Figure3-3).
Placementofpublicfacilitiesandotherparklandalongtheplanningarea’swesternedgeenablesthe
foregroundviewshedtobedominatedbynaturallandscapesandplayfields.Positioningtheseelements
betweenthemaincollectorroadandtheSteveHarrisonMemorialBikePathpromotesnon-motorized
accessandvisitation.
“The community park will be designed and programmed with
the Chico Area Recreation and Park District to include a variety of
recreational amenities.“
- GP APPENDIX C -DOE MILL/HONEY RUN SPECIAL PLANNING AREA
Preliminary elements and features for the community park
facilitiesinclude:
• ClassIbicyclefacilitiesandtrailheadswithalooptrail;
• Multi-usesoccerfields(standardturfwithsidelineseating);
• Concession stand and restrooms with large group picnic
area;
• Communitycenterwithagymnasium;
• Largethemedspraygroundswithsupportingturf;
• Dogparkwithobstaclecourse,shadeelements,andseating;
• Courtplayarea;
• Adventureplaygroundwithinteractiveobstacles;and/or
• Overlooksandlargeandsmallgrouppicnicareas.
Thecommunitypark(approximately36acres)andelementaryschoolsite(approximately14acres)are
designatedOpenSpace(V-OS)andPublicQuasi-Public(PQ)ontheLandUsePlan(Figure4-1inChapter4).
Thesefacilitieswillbeowned,designed,constructed,andmanagedbyCARDandCUSDrespectively.
1
2
2 2
2
2
3 4
1
10 10
10 10
10
5
6 7
8
1 1
1
9
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
VILLAGE CORE MHDR
Figure 3-3: Community Park & Elementary School
LE GEND
1. MULTI-USE FIELDS 2. STADIUM/FIELD
SEATING
3. COMMUNITY CENTER 4. TURF GREEN
5. SPORTS COURT & PLAY 6. SCHOOL SITEAREA
7. PICNIC/OVERLOOK 8. GROUP PICNIC &
RESTROOM
9. PLAY AREA, SPRAY PARK,
& PLAZA 10. PARKING
3.2.5 Neighborhood Parks
AsacomplementtoorganizedrecreationinthecommunityparkandoutdooradventuresintheRegional
Park,neighborhoodparksinValley’sEdgewillpromotepassiveplay,exercise,socialgatherings,andfamily
get-togethers for people of all ages and abilities. The neighborhood parks in the Multi-Generational
NeighborhoodsoftheValley’sEdgeplanningareaincludeHomesteadParkandChild’sMeadowsPark,as
wellasPioneerParkinproximitytotheVillageCoreandSeniorNeighborhoods.
Embracingthebeliefthatplayandinteractionwithnatureistransformativeforallagesandusertypes,
allthreeneighborhoodparksareembeddedwithinthelargeropenspaceframework.Theimportance
ofcreatinguniversallydesignedplayenvironmentsandfitnessequipmentthatincreasetheabilityand
optiontoplayandbeactiveforpeopleofdiverseabilitiesisexemplifiedbytherangeofparksandopen
spacesinValley’sEdge.Positioningactiveneighborhoodparkswithinpassiveopenspacecorridorswill
enableuserstoenterthetrailsystemanywhereintheplanningareaandsafelywalkorbiketothem
withouttravelingonastreet.Neighborhoodparklocationsalsodrawonopportunitiesfornaturalshade,
proximitytoseasonalcreeks,andstreetandtrailnetworkconnectivity.
Valley’sEdgeneighborhoodparkswillbedesignedtocreatemulti-generationaloutdoorplayenvironments
and experiences that address the physical and social inclusion of people of all ages and abilities.
Playgroundequipmentandotherhardscapefeatureswillbedesignedinamannerwhichcomplements
naturallandscapes.Outdooradultfitnessequipmentwillbelocatedwithinsightlinesofplaygrounds,
promotingactivebehaviorinadultfamilymembers,increasingthetimespentattheplaygroundand
outdoors,andpromotingtheimportanceoflifelongfitnesstoall.
Common neighborhood park features
andfacilitiesmayinclude:
• OutdoorAdultFitnessEquipment
• ClassIPathConnections
• Inter-Generational Play & Fitness
Stations
• Rock Wall Entries
• Bike Racks
• DrinkingFountain(s)
• Children’sPlayArea
• Picnic Areas
• WayfindingKiosks
• Re-purposedOakLogBenches
• Trash&RecycleBins
• Interpretive&EducationalPanels
• Natural and Inclusive Play Areas
• Mini-SportsCourt
• TerrainSlidesandAdventurePlay
• Horseshoes,Cornhole,andBocce
Thefollowingneighborhoodparkillustrations,whileconceptualintermsofdesign,aremeanttoconvey
theproximity,scale,andcorefunctionsoftheneighborhoodparksplannedwithinValley’sEdge.
HOMESTEAD PARK
Approximatelyoneacre,HomesteadPark(refertoFigure3-4)islocatedalongtheextensionofEast20th
Street,borderingthenorthroundabout.ItsnamesakepaystributetotheoriginalhomesteadofChico
pioneersandranchers,JamesandMalindaStevens.HomesteadParkrunsalongsidetheClassIpathand
OakWoodlandcorridoratroughlythemid-pointbetweentheSteveHarrisonMemorialBikePathtothe
west,andtheRegionalParktotheeast.
Theupperportionoftheparkisplannedforplaygrounds,picnicareas,turfareasandmulti-purposehard
courts.Thelowerportionsoftheparkslopedownthroughthewoodlands,creatingidealopportunities
forintegratedplaystructuressuchasterrainslides.Surroundinglandusesareopenspaceandlowdensity
residential.HomesteadParkwillserveasaconvenientplayareaforresidentslivinginandaroundthe
northernedgeoftheplanningarea.
Figure 3-4: Homestead Park Proposed Plan View Proposed Elements
Proposed Homestead Park Birdseye
LE GEND
1. CLASS I PATH 2. DENSE TREE AND
FOLIAGE
3. CONCRETE PATH 4. PICNIC AREA 5. PLAYGROUND 6. ROCK WALLS 7. NATURAL PLANTING 8. SPLIT RAIL FENCEAREA 9. TURF AREA 10. ON GRADE SLIDE 11. WORKOUT AREAS 12. 1/2 BASKETBALL COURT
CHILD’S MEADOWS PARK
Approximatelysevenacres,Child’sMeadowsPark(refertoFigure3-5)islocatedinthegentlevalley
leadingeastfromtheVillageCore,communitypark,andelementaryschool,atroughlytheplanning
area’smid-point.InformationalkiosksalongtheSilveradoTrailwilldescribeandillustratethehistoryof
pioneer-erarockwallsborderingthepark’seasternedge,whiledirectionalsignagewillpointtrailusers
todestinationsandpointsofinterestthroughouttheplanningarea.
Nestledwithinacreeksidecorridor,inclusivemulti-generationalfeaturesandotherrecreationalelements
willinterminglewithnaturallandscapesundertheshadeoflargeoaktrees.Restandday-picnicareas
overlookingtheseasonalcreekwillcreateplacesforsocialgatheringsandbirthdayparties,whilethe
multi-purposehardcourtwillservehosttocasualplayandpick-upgames.Surroundinglandusesinclude
openspace,low,andmediumdensityresidentialuses.
Existing setting at the proposed Child’s Meadows Park location
Proposed Child’s Meadows Park
Figure 3-5: Child’s Meadow Park Proposed Plan View Proposed Child’s Meadow Park Birdseye
LE GEND
1. TURF AREA 2. WALKING PATH 3. ROCK WALL (EXISTING) 4. PICNIC AREA
5. PLAYGROUND 6. ROCK WALLS
7. NATURAL PLANTING AREA 8. SPLIT RAIL FENCE
MEADOW 9. TURF AREA 10. ON GRADE SLIDE 11. WORKOUT AREA 12. 1/2 BASKETBALL COURT
PIONEER PARK
Approximatelysixandhalfacres,PioneerPark(refertoFigure3-6)isadjacenttothemainroundaboutoff
theSkywayentryandextendsroughly400yardseastthroughanoak-ladencreeksidegreenway.Winter
rainsactivatethesoutherlydrainage,whichflowsoveralava-rockwaterfallthatcontinuesalongside
aClass Ipath leading fromtheSenior clubhouse to theVillageCore.Surrounding land usesinclude
commercialareasalongthepark’snorthernboundary,withlowdensityresidentialareasintheeastand
south.
Situated between the Multi-Generational and Senior Neighborhoods, Pioneer Park will be an ideal
gatheringplaceforinter-generationalmingling,picnicsandplaystructures.Proximitytocommercialand
employmentareas,theparkcreatesopportunitiesformid-dayexerciseandre-connectingwithnature.
Conceptual Rendering of Pioneer Park
Conceptual Rendering of Pioneer Park
Figure 3-6: Pioneer Park Proposed Plan View Proposed Pioneer Park Birdseye
LE GEND
1. BASIN 2. TURF AREA
3. 1/2 BASKETBALL COURT 4. PATH/TRAIL TO
SIDEWALK 5. OVERLOOK FALLS 6. FITNESS STATION 7. INTERPRETIVE PANEL 8. COMMERCIAL COMPLEX 9. OAK WOODLAND 10. CHILDREN’S
PLAYGROUND 11. GROUP PICNIC AREA 12. PAVED PATH
13. ACTIVE ADULT
3.2.6 Special Purpose Parks
SpecialPurposeParksreferstothosefacilitiesprovidingafocusedamenitysuchaslakefeatures,orserve
aparticulardemographicsuchas“totlots”foryoungchildren,oroutdooradultfitnessparksforadults
and seniors.
MINI-PARKS AND TOT LOTS
Mini-parks and tot-lots are typically 0.25-acres or less,
cateringtobriefvisitationsandcasualplay.Theseparksare
designedanddevelopedatthesubdivisionleveltoserve
immediate surrounding neighborhoods. Park amenities
generallyincludesmallturfareaswithshadetrees,fitness
and play structures, bench seating, play sculptures, and
shade structures. The VESP Land Use Plan (Figure 4-1)
illustrates conceptual locations for mini-parks, the final
locationswillbedeterminedatthesubdivisiondesignstage.
BIG MEADOWS PARK
Big Meadows Park is located immediately north of the
communitypark,nearthewesternplanningareaboundary.
ItsnamesakepayshumbletributetotheNorthwestMaidu’s
historical and cultural connection to the land beneath
whattodayisknownasLakeAlmanor.BigMeadowsPark
is a preferred location for monumentation honoring the
Mechoopda Tribe’s history and heritage in Chico and
easterly foothills.
To westerly neighbors and travelers along the Steve Harrison Memorial Bike Path, Big Meadows is
amongthemorevisibleareasoftheplanningarea.Itsopenspacedesignationservestopreserveand
softenforegroundviewscapes.Theflattopographyalsoprovidesanopportunitytoemulateacherished
elementofUpperBidwellPark,HorseshoeLake.ConnectivitytotheClassItrailnetworkbothon-and
off-siteprovidessafeandconvenientbikeandpedestrianaccess.ProximitytotheCommunityParkand
elementaryschoolcreatesopportunitiesforjointuseofcomplimentaryfacilities.
PreliminarydesignconceptsforBigMeadowsPark(Figure3-7)includelakefeaturesandopengrassland,
ClassIpaths,bikeracks,viewingandfishingstations,picnictables,shadedrestareas,restrooms,parking
areas,adventureplayareas,andinterpretivesignage.Inadditiontooutdoorrecreation,waterelements
becomewelcomeenvironmentsforabundantfloatingaquaticplantsandawiderangeofwildlife.
Totheextentfeasible,thelakefeatureswillprovideasourceofwaterforwildlandfiresuppression,and
retentionofstormwatertosatisfyState-mandatedLowImpactDevelopment(LID)standardsandother
waterqualityrequirements.BigMeadowswouldbedesignedandbuiltbytheDeveloper,andowned
andmaintainedbytheHOA.
Tot lot play structure
1
2
5
5 LOW-DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL
PRESERVE
13.5 ACRE SCHOOL SITE
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL 7
7
5
6 8
9
10
4
3
Figure 3-7: Big Meadows Park
LE GEND
1. FRONTIER LAKE 2. LOWER FRONTIER LAKE 3. PEDESTRIAN
TRAILHEAD 4. FISHING PIER 5. OVERLOOK/SEATING 6. ADVENTURE PLAY AREA 7. TRAIL AROUND LAKE
8. RESTROOM 9. PARKING
10. SHADED PICNIC AREA
VILLAGE CORE PARK
Surrounded by oak trees and framed by heritage rock walls at the confluence of two seasonal creeks, the approximately four-acre Village Core Park represents the Valley’s Edge vibrant social core. A turf terraced gathering space with accompanied bandstand, visible from the patios of nearby cafés and eateries, will be suitable for farmers markets, art exhibits, craft shows, and other community events.
Immediately north and across the creek from the gathering space, a large community garden is planned to occupy what generations ago served as rock walled sheep corrals. The gardens will be owned by the HOA, and available to the planning area’s residents, grocers, and restaurateurs. Adjacent to the community garden under the shade of majestic oaks, another rock wall corral defines the boundaries of a large picnic area.
Village Core Park will connect to the Steve Harrison Memorial Bike Path and the greater Valley’s Edge trail network. Refer to Figure 3-8 for a conceptual plan view of the Village Core Park.
Proposed restaurant entry within the Village Core Village Core bandstand area
Figure 3-8: Village Core Park
LE GEND
1. MARKET
2. LIGHT RETAIL/FOOD & BEVERAGE 3. OAK GROTTO, POOL, PICNIC/BBQ 4. PLAYGROUND
5. PLAYGROUND & WATER PLAY 6. COMMUNITY GARDEN
7. BANDSTAND & GATHERING AREA
8. POND
9. WATER FEATURE
10. STEVE HARRISON MEMORIAL BIKE PATH
11. TURF AREA
Proposed restaurant featuring outdoor bar and seating
SENIOR PARKS
WithintheSeniorNeighborhoodsdedicatedparkamenitieswillprovideresidents,guests,andvisitors
opportunitiesforsocialgathering,exercise,organizedrecreation,quietrelaxation,andotheroutdoor,
experiencesoractivities.
ClassIbikeandwalkingtrailswillpromoteexercise,fostergreaterage-diversityinsocialandrecreational
settings,andconnecttheSeniorNeighborhoodstogatheringplacesinandaroundthevibrantheart
ofValley’sEdge.Amongotherneighborhoodfunctions,PioneerParkservesastheopenspacebridge
betweentheVillageCoreandtheSeniorclubhouse.
TheVESPParkPlan(Figure3-1)illustratesaconceptuallocationformid-sizedparksituatedonaslightly
elevatedmoundclusteredwithoaktrees.Conceptuallocationsfortwomini-parksarealsoidentified.The
ultimatelocationanddesignofparkswithintheSeniorNeighborhoodswouldoccuratthesubdivision
design stage.
3.2.7 Environmental Preserves
The VESP’s approach to protection of wetland resources and
endangeredspeciesisavoidancebydesign.Roughly26-acres
of the VESP area around jurisdictional wetland features and
approximately 20 acres around areas known to support
occurrencesofButteCountyMeadowfoam(BCM)willbeset- asideforconservationandresourceprotection(refertoFigure
3-1). It is anticipated that these areas set aside for resource
conservation will be owned by the HOA and managed by a
qualifiedlandtrust.
“SPECIAL CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO PROTECTING
AND PRESERVING SENSITIVE HABITATS, INCLUDING THE MANY EPHEMERAL STREAMS THAT DRAIN THE SITE, AS WELL AS THE WETLAND AREAS ON THE
WESTERN EDGE.”
- GP APPENDIX C -DOE MILL/
HONEY RUN SPECIAL PLANNING AREA
3.3 Rock Walls
Conductedfieldsurveysbetween2009and2019identified34hand-lain,stackedrockswallsranging
from65linealfeettoover8,300linearfeetthroughouttheVESParea.Theserockwallshavehistorical
importanceinthattheywereconstructedinthe19thCenturyaslivestockbarriersorenclosuresas
wellaspropertyboundaries.RefertotheValley’sEdgeRockWallSupplement(AppendixD)foramore
detaileddescriptionandinventoryoftheon-siterockwalls.
AsemphasizedinChapter2,theplanninganddesignoftheplanningareawasbasedaroundkeyprinciples
thatwillsafeguardnotableandculturalelements,includingtherockwalls.
Thefollowingmeasuresarebeingtakentoensuretherockwallswillbeprotected:
• Orientingrockwallstowardsthepublicrealm;
• Creating monumentation along key vantage points where the prominence of rock walls can be
highlightedtoinformvisitorsandresidenceoftheirlocalsignificance,andthestewardshipnecessary
fortheirpreservation;
• Incorporatingrockwallelementsintostreetscapesandlandscapearchitecture;
• Documentingtheconditionofpreservedrockwallsthroughroutineinspectionandconductnecessary
repairsthroughtheuseofnativematerialsandoriginalconstructiondesign;and
• Retainingallsurfacerockson-site,alongwithastorageyardtoenablebuildersandresidentsto
collectmaterialforre-usewithintheVESParea.
Figure 3-9 identifies existing rock wall openings utilized to accommodate future roads and/or trails,
alongwithnewpotentialpassagelocations.Figure3-9isnotintendedtobeprescriptive,butratheran
illustrativeexampleofwhereexistingrockwallopeningsegmentsmay,wherepracticable,accommodate
passagewithminimaldisruption.Refinementstothelocationsandproposedopeningsisexpected,and
shallbedeterminedconcurrentwiththeinfrastructuredesignabuttingtherespectivewallsection(s).
The Teaching Wall
Valley’s Edge Specific Plan | August 2021 PARKS, RECREATION, & OPEN SPACE 3-23 Figure 3-9: Rock Wall Reference Map
LEGEND
VLDR LDR MDR
MHDR VILLAGE CORE VILLAGE COMMERCIAL
PUBLIC QUASI-PUBLIC PRIMARY OPEN SPACE VALLEY OPEN SPACE
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE PRIMARY ROADWAYS SEASONAL CREEKS
Teaching Rock Wall Existing Rock Wall Proposed Wall Opening Existing Break in Rock Wall
LEGEND
HONEYRUNRD SKYWAY
EAST20THST.
STEVEHARRISONMEMORIALBIKEPATH
(R1-SF-VE)LDR
(R1-SF-VE)LDR
(R1-SF-VE)LDR (R1-VE)LDR
MDR
MDR MHDR
VLDR
3.4 Valley’s Edge Trail System
ThetrailsystemestablishedbytheTrailMasterPlan(Figure5-2)intheValley’sEdgeplanningareawill
promoteChico’sactivelifestyle,fromall-weatherClassIpathsaccommodatingbicyclists,pedestrians,
joggers,andbabystrollerstomulti-purposeenhancedtrailsandnaturetrailsservingmountainbikers,
hikers,equestrians,birdwatchers,andotheroutdooradventurists.RefertoChapter5:Circulation&
Trailsfordescriptionsoftheproposedtrailsystem.Thevisionofafullyconnectedplanningarea,andthe
commitmenttoconstructChico’slargestandmostinterconnectedtrailssystemarebothmeaningfuland
purposefulstepstowardsahealthiercommunity,includinglesseningautomobilereliance.
The VESP’s extensive trail network requires an ongoing management effort. The Trail Plan network
planning,design,construction,maintenance,andmanagementwillbeadministeredbytheValley’sEdge
TrailsManagementCommittee(TMC),asfurtherdiscussedinChapter5:Circulation&Trails.
Inpart,theVESP’sapproachtotrailmanagementisintendedtoavertsomeoftheenvironmentaldamage
thathasoccurredintheUpperBidwellParkovertheyears,elevatingthequalityoftrailexperiences,
whileatthesametimebeingeconomicallysustainable.
3.5 Maintenance and Management
3.5.1 Public/Quasi Public Agencies
Thecommunityparkandelementaryschoolsitewouldbeowned,improvedandmanagedbyChicoArea
RecreationDistrictandChicoUnifiedSchoolDistrict,respectively.
3.5.2 Homeowners Association
Creekside greenways, linear parks, neighborhood parks, and special use parks will be owned and
maintained by the Valley’s Edge Homeowners Association (HOA). Environmental preserve(s) will be
ownedandmaintainedbytheHOA,orqualifiedlandtrust.Asneighborhoodsaredeveloped,green
spaceswithinthatneighborhoodwillbeconnectedandmergedwithabuttingopenspacecorridorsand
dedicatedtotheHOAformanagementandmaintenance.
Whereparkorrecreationalelementsareintendedfortheexclusiveuseofresidentswithincommon
interestsubdivisionssuchasacondominiumorplannedunitdevelopment,ownershipandmaintenance
wouldrestwiththatneighborhood’sHOA,referredtoasSub-HOA(s).WithintheAgeRestricted(referto
Figure4-8:SeniorNeighborhoods)portionoftheplanningarea,oneormoreSub-HOA’smaybeformed
tomanageparksandfacilitiesservingexclusivelytheseniorcommunities’residentsandguests.
Tobroadenpublicopportunitiesforuseandenjoyment,theRegionalParkwouldbeofferedfordedication
totheCityofChico.Unlessanduntilsuchtimeasthededicationoflandisaccepted,theRegionalPark
willbeowned,maintained,andmanagedbytheValley’sEdgeHOA,duringwhichperiodaccesswouldbe
opentoplanningarearesidentsandguests,aswellasnon-residentmembersregisteredwiththeValley’s
EdgeHOA.
3.6 Oak Woodland Mitigation and Management Plan
TheVESPareapredominantlyencompassesBlueOak,whichareapparentinthecreeksidegreenways
andopenspacecorridorsthattraverseeast-westacrossthesite,aswellasisolatedoaktreesthroughout
theVESPareainbothopenspaceanddevelopmentareas.TheVESPareaintegratesanOakWoodland
MitigationandManagementPlan,whichstatesthecomprehensivegoalsandimplementationmeasures
fortheprotectionofon-siteOakWoodlandhabitatthroughouttheVESParea.TheVESP’sorganization
of density and land use promotes conservation of native oak trees through open space, thoughtful
street design,and intensity of development. Where oak treesare within developed areas,theVESP
adoptscoreprinciplesandactionsfromtheCity’sAdoptedTreePreservationRegulations(CityofChico
MunicipalCodeSection16.66).RefertotheValley’sEdgeOakWoodlandMitigationandManagement
