One-Mile Recreation Area (aerial view at left)
Trees Independence Trail. 7:30 a.m.-an hour after sunset. 1890 E. Eighth St.
Chico Creek Nature Center The family-friendly Chico Creek Nature Center features a nonreleasable living animal collection—the Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum—as well as the Howard S. Tucker Exhibit Hall and Kristie’s Nature Lab, along with creek access and picnic tables. 1978 E. Eighth St., 8914671, www.bidwellpark.org
One-Mile Recreation Area Soaking up the sun, swimming in the huge Sycamore Pool or picnicking beneath the towering valley oaks and white-barked sycamore trees is what One-Mile is all about. With its barbecues, horseshoe pits and playing fields, One-Mile is located just a few blocks from downtown and is easily reached through entrances on Fourth or Fifth streets. ditions, call 896-7899. Within Bidwell Park, there are a number of special spots to relax with friends and family, or go on a hike or bike ride:
Lower Park Caper Acres A much-beloved playground for children with a soft, spongy central area full of things for kids to climb on, including an impressive mosaic sea serpent created by local artist Robin Indar. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. TuesdaySunday. 500 South Park Drive
Cedar Grove Cedar Grove Picnic Area and Meadow offers easily accessible picnic tables and barbecues along with a green place to relax near the creek. Access to the World of
Lower Bidwell Park trails Foot, bicycle and equestrian paths run the length of Chico’s Lower Bidwell Park through stately oak groves and near the riparian zone of Big Chico Creek, where creekside trails offer beautiful views of the water amid the seclusion of the park’s many trees. Take South Park Drive or Peterson Memorial Way to any turnoff.
Upper Park Equestrian Center Horse lovers and their equine friends are welcome on many trails in Bidwell Park. Equestrian events are held in the arena, which is open to the public Tuesday-Thursday. Accessible from Wildwood Avenue. PARKS continued on page 24 Fall 2014/Winter 2015 DISCOVER CHICO 23