PRPD celebrates 75th anniversary

The Paradise Recreation and Park District (PRPD) was organized in October 1948, as a special district to provide park and recreation programs. Many believe the district is a department operating under the Town of Paradise, but in fact, PRPD operates independently from the Town, though is a close partner in achieving shared goals.

Under the District and Board of Directors’ leadership, PRPD has grown its park and recreation offerings from what started as a public “pool” (a dredged-out part of Berry Creek off Mallan Lane in Paradise) to managing more than 402 acres of fully and partially developed land and 450 acres of unimproved open space.

The District has also financially supported the public’s access to recreation by providing partial funding for the Pine Ridge Gymnasium in Magalia, the purchase of property for Egleson Field in Paradise, capital improvements and several years of rent for the Paradise Symphony Orchestra at the Paradise

Performing Arts Center, and more.

The District has a long history, but likes to think of itself as a 75-year old startup. PRPD is determined to maintain recreational opportunities that residents most enjoy, while introducing new events and activities not offered in the past. Park Supervisor Mark Cobb and his crew have completed a tremendous amount of work on recovery projects, while keeping District parks impeccably clean, safe, and accessible. Additional recovery projects remain, including the installation of a new playground at Moore Road Park replacing what was destroyed in the Camp Fire.

The District looks forward to executing new park development and enhancement projects made possible by recent grant awards: Lakeridge Park, Magalia; Oak Creek Park, Paradise; and Bille Park enhancements, Paradise.

The District is proud of historical accomplishments in serving the park and recreational needs of the many communities they serve (Butte Creek Canyon,

Since 1948, the District has been led by 5 Managers: Elmer Martin (19481950), Harvey Rother (1950-1967), Terry Ashe (1967-1995), Mike Trinca (19952017), and Dan Efseaff (2018-present)

Concow/Yankee Hill, Magalia, Paradise) while also continuing to improve and better serve the evolving needs of the residents in the District. PRPD seeks to commemorate its 75 years by hosting celebrations in each of the communities it serves. Look for more to come at (www.paradiseprpd.com) or Facebook.

Paradise Ridge Chamber a long-time supporter of PRPD

In February 1941, then the “Paradise and Allied Communities Chamber of Commerce” voted to incorporate to be eligible to purchase 20 acres of land off Pearson Road, for $2,000. With Paradise’s social and economic center in the Black Olive/Pearson Road region, Chamber leadership felt the community would grow and needed a central location to house firefighting equipment, community services, sheriff deputies and/or community events.

In 1956, Chamber members parceled off six acres of the orchard for the recreation district’s swimming pool. In 1959 the remainder of the land was deeded to the newly organized Paradise Unified School District; the land is the site for the current Paradise Junior High School.

Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization

ohn is a long-time resident of Paradise (having graduated from PHS in 1982) and has been serving the Ridge for 26 years. His law office on Almond Street burned in the fire, and he has established an office at the bottom of the Skyway at 45 Jan Court, Suite 170, Chico. John and his wife continue to make Paradise their home and are huge supporters of our community. He is Butte County’s longest actively practicing certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. His practice is limited to:

• Trusts, Special Needs Trusts & Wills

• Trust Administration

• Probate

• Medi-Cal Planning

• Business Law, LLC’s & S Corp

• Real Estate Law

530-228-9742