Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Bidwell Park?
Bidwell Park contains 3670 acres, about 5.73 square miles.
How does its size compare to some other large municipal parks?
Park NameLocationSize (acres)2000
Population
Acres
Per Capita
South Mountain ParkPhoenix, AZ16,5001,321,045.013
Cullen ParkHouston, TX10,534 1,953,631.005
Newport News ParkNewport News, VA8,000180,150.044
Mission Trails ParkSan Diego, CA5,7601,223,400.005
Forest ParkPortland, OR5,000529,121.010
Fairmont ParkPhiladelphia, PA4,1801,517,550.003
Griffith ParkLos Angeles, CA4,1073,694,820.001
Eagle Creek ParkIndianapolis, IN3,930781,870.005
Bidwell ParkChico, CA3,67059,954.061
Mill Creek ParkYoungstown OH2,53082,026.030
Swope ParkKansas City, MO1,769441,545.004
Forest ParkSt. Louis, MO1,300348,189.004
Golden Gate ParkSan Francisco, CA1,017776,733.001
Central ParkNew York City, NY84319,157,532.00004

For a more complete survey, see the lists at the Trust for Public Land website.

How much is Bidwell Park worth?
A City of Chico Real Property Inventory Summary Working Draft for the 06/19/03 Finance Committee meeting showed the 1999 value of the land in Bidwell Park at $141.5 million with improvements valued at $1.6 million. The total acquisition cost for the land was $2.4 million.

Goats graze in Lower Park, October 2003
When are the goats coming back?
The goats were in the walnut orchard area of Lower Park in the fall of 2003. They probably won't be back in 2004; they are expensive and the Chico park department has said that, given the current budget constraints, they need to use cheaper weed control methods. They may return in the future but there aren't any definite plans.
What's the difference between the Chico Park Department and CARD?
Butte County has 5 recreation districts that cover most of the county. Each recreation district is primarily funded by a special property tax assessment district. The Chico Area Recreation District (CARD) was formed in 1948. It serves an area of about 225 square miles, extending from the Tehama County line through the Chico urban area. CARD owns or leases many of the active (e.g., softball, basketball, swimming) recreation sites within this geographic area. Their facilities include the 20th St. Community Park, Oak Way Park, Pleasant Valley Community Center and Pool, Rotary Park and Hooker Oak Recreation Area. They will own and operate DeGarmo Park, when it is constructed. See the park inventory for a list of Chico parks, their sizes, and administration.

See our guide to the Chico Park Department for more information about Park Department responsibilities.

Are Hooker Oak Recreation Area and the CARD Community Center part of Bidwell Park?
The Hooker Oak area is included in the acreage calculation for Bidwell Park and is shown on maps as part of Bidwell Park. However, it is leased to CARD on a long- term lease and they're responsible for maintenance and improvements in this area. When the Bidwell Park Master Management Plan is updated in 2003/04, this information for this area will not be part of the update. CARD has its own Master Management Plan, which includes Hooker Oak. CARD also leases the Sycamore playing fields in Lower Park. In theory, CARD is responsible for active recreation sites in Chico and the Park Department for the rest of the open space. The CARD Community Center is not a part of Bidwell Park.
Is Bidwell Municipal Golf Course part of Bidwell Park?
As with Hooker Oak, the land is owned by the city of Chico and is considered to be part of Bidwell Park, but is leased to a company that operates the golf course. On a smaller scale, the Chico Creek Nature Center, Chico Observatory, Chico Equestrian Association and Chico Rod & Gun Club also lease parkland; building and operating their own facilities in the park.
Who is Petersen Memorial Drive named after?
Inscription: Petersen Drive named in honor of George F.C. & Clara Petersen to whom the people of this community are indebted for their generous gifts to Bidwell Park -- 1951
Plaque at the west end of Petersen Dr. near Sycamore Pool
Petersen (sometimes called "North Park") Drive is the road that runs along the north side of the creek in Lower Park. It was named for George F.C. and Clara Petersen, early residents of Chico. Clara left property along Mangrove Avenue, now the site of the Mangrove Square shopping center, to the city with instructions that it be sold and that the proceeds should be used to benefit Bidwell Park.
Why don't they remove all the weeds, downed trees and debris in the park?
With only 8 maintenance workers for all of Bidwell Park's 3670 acres, that would be impossible. More importantly, this is a deliberate policy decision. The undergrowth provides habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. As the debris decays, it creates new soil and provides nutrients for the plants. In Upper Park, it keeps the soil from eroding on the slopes. For the same reason, when a tree falls across a trail, only the section blocking the trail is removed. Trees that fall into the creek or are swept downstream during winter storms are also left to provide shelter for fish, nutrients and to help slow the water flow, reducing erosion. On the other hand, the Park Department would like to reduce or eliminate some of the most invasive plants in the park, such as yellow star-thistle, privet, giant reed, and French and Spanish broom.
I see lots of cigarette butts in the park. How long does it take them to disintegrate?
Cigarette filters take about five years to disintegrate. Also, since the purpose of the filter is to collect the toxins in the cigarette, it creates a tiny package of toxic substances that's harmful to wildlife and fish. Winter rains leach out the toxins, which end up in the creek, poisoning the fish and other aquatic life. Here's how long other kinds of litter lasts:
Rate of Biodegradability
Product Time it takes
Cotton Rags1-5 months
Paper2-5 months
Rope3-14 months
Orange Peels6 months
Wool Socks1-5 years
Cigarette butts1-12 years
Plastic coated paper cartons5 years
Plastic bags10-20 years
Leather shoes25-40 years
Nylon fabric30-40 years
Tin cans50-100 years
Aluminum cans80-100 years
Plastic 6-pack holder rings450 years
Glass bottles1 million years
Plastic bottlesNever
Table from UBC Waste Management

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by: Friends of Bidwell Park