CARD Timeline
For more than 75 years, the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) has been helping people play by creating spaces and experiences that bring the community together. From neighborhood parks and playgrounds to summer camps, parades, and traditions, CARD's story is deeply woven into Chico's history. Explore our timeline below to see how CARD has grown, adapted, and celebrated alongside the community we serve.
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Chico residents voted to establish the Chico Area Recreation & Park District, recognizing that recreation is vital for a strong community and quality of life. Separate from the City of Chico, CARD was created as an independent Special District, governed by a five-member elected Board of Directors.
The first Chico Day Camp, later nicknamed Camp Chi-Da-Ca, launched with activities that quickly became a local tradition. Generations of Chico families have grown up at camp, and over the years CARD has expanded to offer camps like Summertime Delight, Camp Chico Creek, Sports Camp, and many more.
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Hooker Oak Park hosted CARD’s first Spring Jamboree, a community celebration that continues today at Caper Acres Playground.
Chico residents gained a new way to beat the summer heat with the opening of Pleasant Valley Pool and Recreation Center. For decades, the facility has hosted countless swim lessons, summer events, and community gatherings.
CARD expanded its reach by building the Chapman Center to serve the east Chico neighborhood. In 1999, the facility was renamed the Dorothy F. Johnson Center in honor of a longtime CARD teammate who dedicated decades of service to the Chapman community.
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The CARD Community Center on Vallombrosa Avenue became a central hub for programs, classes, and events. It has hosted everything from cooking classes to Brunch with Santa, as well as weddings, quinceañeras, and special events. Fun fact: in 1997, the center even appeared in Disney’s Under Wraps as a Halloween party venue.
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South Chico welcomed Community Park, a sprawling 30-acre recreation space that would become home to multi-use, soccer, and softball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, a bocce ball complex, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. Chico State students helped design the park, which became the home of Chico Kite Day in 1985.
One of CARD’s smaller neighborhood parks, Oak Way Park features a basketball court, playground, paved walking path, and open space for community use.
North Chico celebrated the opening of DeGarmo Park, a 36-acre community gathering place with sports fields, picnic pavilions, a dog park, and a playground. The park quickly became a favorite spot for events such as Movies in the Park and the K-9 Classic. The land was partially donated by Robert “Bob” DeGarmo in honor of his father, Gailey Luther DeGarmo.
Located in the heart of Bidwell Park, the Chico Creek Nature Center became part of CARD, expanding outdoor education and nature-inspired programs for all ages.
Working alongside passionate community members from Chico Skatepark Solutions, CARD helped expand the Humboldt Avenue Skate Park with a larger bowl and new street features, making it a destination for skaters of all skill levels.
Northeast Chico gained Rotary Centennial Park, complete with multi-use turf fields, shaded picnic tables, and a basketball court. In 2022, its playground was officially named the Ann Willmann Playground in honor of CARD’s General Manager from 2006–2022.
Thanks to a generous land donation from local philanthropists Katie Gonser and Ken Grossman, CARD announced plans for a state-of-the-art Aquatics & Recreation Center. Once complete, this facility will offer new opportunities for fitness, wellness, and community connection.
Working with local design team Spruce Studio, CARD introduced a refreshed brand identity featuring a new logo, colors, and typography. With CARD’s exponential growth, the new look reflects both our history and our vision for the future.
In partnership with the City of Chico and the Downtown Chico Business Association, CARD took over management of the beloved Chico Ice Rink, ensuring this seasonal tradition continues in the heart of downtown.
Thanks to a $2.9 million Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant, CARD unveiled major improvements to Chapman Park. New features include a splash pad, expanded garden and teaching area, resurfaced multi-sport court, covered picnic structure, outdoor fitness equipment, and upgraded restrooms.
CARD launched Chico’s first-ever 4th of July Parade in Downtown Chico. With thousands in attendance, the event quickly became a new community tradition.
The Chico Community Observatory reopened under CARD’s care, allowing the district to expand outdoor education and stargazing programs in Bidwell Park.
CARD hosted its inaugural Fall Gala, a fundraiser for the future Aquatics & Recreation Center. The event has since become a favorite among community members and local philanthropists dedicated to supporting recreation in Chico.
The CARD Board of Directors voted to rename the Hooker Oak Park Softball Field in honor of the historic Chico Peppers Softball Team, celebrating the team’s legacy in women’s sports.
CARD officially broke ground on the future Aquatics & Recreation Center, marking the start of construction for this state-of-the-art facility that will serve Chico for generations to come.
In partnership with Chico Velo, CARD broke ground on the Chico Bike Park, which will bring new outdoor recreation opportunities to the community.
