Legacy Landmarks

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Honoring Those Who Have Made Their Mark on Our Community

The Legacy Landmarks project honors the remarkable individuals who have shaped and strengthened our community through their passion, dedication, and service. By preserving their stories and recognizing their contributions, we celebrate the lasting impact they have made on our local history, organizations, and public spaces. From environmental advocates to educators and visionaries, this project ensures that their legacy continues to inspire future generations to build, protect, and enrich our community.

Legacy Landmarks is an ongoing project, and we welcome your participation. If you have stories, photos, information, or questions to share, please contact us at 530-895-4711 or info@chicorec.gov.

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Anita Ingrao of the Chico Community Observatory

The Chico Community Observatory is dedicated to the loving memory of Anita Ingrao (1963–2014), one of its founders and a passionate advocate for…

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Ann Willmann Playground

The Ann Willmann Playground at Rotary Centennial Park honors Ann Willmann, former CARD General Manager from 2006–2022 and dedicated Chico Rotary Club…

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Arron Ray Clark Memorial Field House

Arron Ray Clark Memorial Field House stands as a tribute to Arron Ray Clark, a Chico native and U.S. Army soldier who lost his life in Baghdad, Iraq…

Group of people posing on a baseball field, some kneeling, wearing jackets and medals, with trees and a fence in the background.

Chico Peppers Field

Chico Peppers Field at Hooker Oak Park celebrates the storied history of the Chico Peppers, a groundbreaking women’s fastpitch softball team that…

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Dorothy F. Johnson

The Dorothy F. Johnson Center, formerly known as the Chapman Center, was renamed in honor of Dorothy F. Johnson, who dedicated 30 years as the center’…

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Doryland Field

Named in honor of Ronald Bruce Doryland (1946–1966), the Doryland Field in Hooker Oak Park celebrates the passion and dedication of a young athlete…

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Gailey Luther DeGarmo

DeGarmo Park is named in honor of Gailey Luther DeGarmo, following the wishes of his son, Robert "Bob" DeGarmo. Bob, a lifelong Chico resident, was…

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Hooker Oak Park: Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker

Hooker Oak Park is named after Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817–1911), a renowned British botanist and explorer. The park’s name honors his…

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Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall

The Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall at the Chico Creek Nature Center showcases the history and wildlife of Bidwell Park through a variety of exhibits…

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Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum

The Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum at the Chico Creek Nature Center honors the incredible legacy of Janeece Webb, a dedicated environmental…

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Jeff Carter Room

The Jeff Carter Room at the CARD Community Center is named in honor of Jeff Carter, CARD’s dedicated legal counsel for 36 years. His invaluable…

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Jerry Hughes Softball Field

Jerry Hughes Softball Field is named after Jerry Hughes (1931–2022), who shaped Chico’s parks as CARD General Manager from 1972 to 1991. He led the…

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Kristie's Nature Lab

Kristie’s Nature Lab is a hands-on learning space where visitors can explore the wonders of Bidwell Park through microscopes, interactive exhibits…

A baseball game in progress on a sunny day, with players on the field and spectators seated on the grass nearby.

Mertz Softball Field

Mertz Softball Field in Community Park is named in honor of Frank Mertz, a dedicated advocate for Chico athletics. A local businessman and KPAY-AM…

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Shoemaker Open Sky Planetarium

Located in Upper Bidwell Park, the Shoemaker Open Sky Planetarium is a one-of-a-kind outdoor amphitheater dedicated to exploring the wonders of the…